Oliver Polak is a stand-up comedian and writer. Half-German, half-Russian and Jewish: he certainly has all the ingredients needed for a third world war.

Oliver Polak’s fellowship project at the Thomas Mann House is titled "Stand Up For Comedy Across Borders." He aims to develop a show for comedy clubs in Los Angeles. In this show, he intends to make himself the subject, share his story, and perform his narrative night after night. Through his stand-up, Oliver seeks to engage in meaningful dialogue with Americans and challenge prejudices—including his own. He aims to explore both the humorous similarities and differences between cultures. His observations, reflections, and dialogues, along with the ups and downs of his journey, will be recorded like a diary, forming an experiential account that can lead to deeper insights.


Selected Awards
2017 | German Television Award in the category Best Comedy/Satirical Show for “Das Lachen der Anderen” (WDR)
2017 | Grimme Award for moderation of “Applaus und raus” (Pro7) 


Selected Publications
2021 | “Your Life Is a Joke“ (Netflix).
https://www.netflix.com/de/title/81174224
2019 | “Live @Carolines on Broadway New York” (YouTube).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=2_1DiPjHmMM
2014 | Der jüdische Patient. Cologne: Kiepenheuer & Witsch.