The Observer
Welcome to Bush's nightmare
Margaret Cho: State of Emergency New Players Theatre, London WC2, until 1 Jan
By Stephanie Merritt
Published: December 5, 2004
| If Republican extremists could mould all their fears into
one hate figure, they'd probably come up with Margaret Cho. This outspoken,
Korean-American, lesbian, feminist comic is a leading activist in the US,
and frequently the target of censorship and racist and homophobic hate mail
- some of which she quotes on stage, affecting an expression of toxic violence
and adding 'Jesus Saves!'
Having become something of a beacon for the gay community, her material, while not exclusive, is correspondingly weighted towards this audience. Her lines are thoughtful and sharp ('If you're against gay marriage but you laugh at Will and Grace, you're a hypocrite. That's like when white people stole rock'n'roll - "I love your song, but please don't use that drinking fountain"'), and supplemented by her physical comedy, so that some of the more scatological stuff wouldn't be missed. And if you thought there were no clever jokes left to make about Bush, Cho will prove you wrong. |