Does race ever make you feel awkward? Julia Sutherland introduces an international range of comedians, each with their own perspective on race, religion and culture in today's society. Fresh from the stage, Julia talks to some of the comedians to find out the reality behind their stories.
In this episode comedian, poet and storyteller Sameena Zehra tells of extremism from within her own family. An atheist born to Muslim parents, Sameena finds herself defending a woman's rights to wear a burka from her furious mother who insists it's subjugation. Sameena also shares her hilarious stories of growing up in India after being used to the comforts of South London. Joining her on stage is Dana Alexander, a Canadian who is so far past the race debate she happily turned up to a far-right political group BBQ without realising the animosity towards her. Languishing in the post-Brexit atmosphere is Marcel Lucont, a French comedian relishing the chance to pass judgement on the UK with a fondness for the 'auld alliance'. In one of the most daring adventures of the series, Irish-American comedian Des Bishop moved to China to learn Mandarin, to be able to perform stand-up there. Stories of working in a (Chinese) restaurant and experiencing racism from an unexpected group of people kick off this show with a bang.
A Dabster Production for BBC Radio Scotland. Show less