Fringe: Omid Djalili is Ethnic
EDINBURGH FESTIVAL
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Comedy
Omid Djalili is Ethnic
Given safe conduct from the PC cops by virtue of his dual English and Iranian heritage - slyly dubbed his "ethnic bilateral spontaneous displacement" - and with the confidence of national and Fringe successes behind him, Omid Djalili is able to quaff deep from that poisoned chalice of alternative comedy and racial and cultural difference.
The self-styled Arab Al Pacino mixes vibrant, observational commentaries and physical comedy to rich effect - his dad's more proud of his son's BMW than his BA. Patronising white liberals needn't feel too smug either. For those prone to parading "ethnic awareness" as a moral trophy, he gleefully rubbishes the tie-dyed glamour of the bongos and the namedropping of Third World theatre companies.
But, sensitive to our guilt-edged mirth, Djalili is as generous as he is acute: "It's alright - you can laugh." Thank Allah for Omid Djalili. Venue 2, Fringe Club, to 30 Aug (not 13, 28), 9.20pm (0131-226 5138)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments