Theatre
Edinburgh fringe: Alex Edelman
Jane Prinsley enjoys a yeshivah-educated stand-up's account of his encounter with racists
August 14, 2018 11:43
Jane Prinsley enjoys a yeshivah-educated stand-up's account of his encounter with racists
August 14, 2018 11:43Alex Edelman has gone funny David Attenborough for fringe this year. The quirky Bostonian wandered into a Nazi's flat, for a meeting of white supremacists, to change their racist minds. Quite a brave move for the yeshivah-educated comedian.
Edelman says he does not do politics, he tells dumb jokes. But in this post-Trump era, it is impossible to go to an apolitical fringe show. As Edelman’s explores the far right, his vulnerability shines through and the audience warms to a story far removed from their own.
Although he claims his comedy only really works on American Jews in the New York comedy scene, it’s a perfect fit for the Edinburgh fringe. Edelman skilfully weaves the serious with the silly and has his audience at his command.
He starts with gorilla jokes, then gets the hots for Obama and meets Prince William, but it is the Nazi narrative that steers the set.
After an appearance on BBC Radio 4, Edelman received antisemitic abuse on Twitter. He handles it by putting the culprits on a list of benefactors of Israel, proclaiming, it is the Jew’s turn to make a list.
Some might feel uncomfortable at the levels Edelman goes to diminish himself on stage. He is certainly not scared to satirise his upbringing. One might ask if the joke becomes him and his Jewishness, but the questions he poses are a clear articulation of the hate Jews face on a daily basis. Edelman exposes the far right with accessible and enjoyable humour, and, in doing so, fulfils an essential role.
His infectious energy, nervous physicality and wild expressions help his act, but it is this clever manipulation of politics and play that steer his show towards success. His personal take on intolerance deserves to be heard and laughed at for all the right reasons.
Alex Edelman: Just for us is at the Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh until August 26
To get more from Life, click here to sign up for our free Life newsletter.