Jake Mace
“This is not champagne socialism – this is the voice of the people”, boldly declares Mamoun Elagab’s show listing for Why I Love White People – his debut comedy hour landing at EdFringe next month. Born to academics, a twist in Mamoun’s life puts everything in new perspective – we wanted to get the low down behind the show’s title and find out more about his perspective on prejudice.
Catch Why I Love White People between August 2nd and 27th (18:10) at Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker One). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Box Office.
Jake: Hey Mamoun! Your debut show ‘Why I Love White People’ offers up your unique perspective on the Black British Experience – tell us a little about your story and what inspired you to make a comedy hour out of it.
Mamoun: My family arrived in this country just after WW2. So part of the show is talking about black people’s experiences in this country through the generations. Obviously I was not around in the 1950s but stories from my parents and grandparents help me to offer good jokes here! I think this topic could be cool as this is not a topic and period of history we hear much about in this country.
Jake: The show tackles important questions – “Can we unmerge stereotypical traits and race? How can you survive a g-check with local gangsters?” – What are you hoping the audience takes away from it?
Mamoun: Just to not judge. I feel like a lot of the crowd will come to conclusions about me as a person at first glance due to my race and delivery . I like to surprise people with the show’s content, which I think is often more sensible than wider preconceived ideas. Hopefully some people can leave thinking that young ethnic guys aren’t so bad!
Jake: You’ve declared that your show isn’t “champagne socialism”, instead “the voice of the people” – tell us what you mean by that and how we can tell the difference.
Mamoun: I’ve always been open minded and I don’t judge anyone and this has always attracted me to a vast range of people. I think this result is what helps me speak for the people not just the type of people who perform at the Fringe but a lot of the ethnic people I grew up with and also various white people of different social and regional backgrounds. I think this helps to make me a voice of the people.
Jake: Tell us about your relationship with Edinburgh and the Fringe – have you been before and how are you feeling about it all now we are a month away?
Mamoun: I’m still working on the structure of the show but it’s coming together bit by bit. I have been to the festival before, but I think debuting is a different experience so I’m feeling excited!
Jake: Given the themes of Binge Fringe, if your show was a beverage of any kind (alcoholic, non-alcoholic – be as creative as you like!), what would it be and why?
Mamoun: A glass of tap water. I’m a simple dude.
