‘I want the audience to take offence’
By: Lhendup G BhutiaDate: 2011-05-29
Among other things, comedian Scott Capurro, who will be performing in the city this week, will present a piece centred around the Koran and Bible
You probably know him as the man who transformed Robin Williams into Mrs Doubtfire in the hilarious comedy, or have heard his voice when he did the voiceover for Fode Annodue in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. But Scott Capurro, who performs in Mumbai this week, is also a well-known American stand-up comedian and writer. Not for the faint-hearted, his comedy material is known to be provocative, referring often to gay life and culture, politics, race and racism. An interview:
How are you preparing for Mumbai?
I’m reading local publications, and trying to keep up to date on the BBC news service regarding India. I’m fascinated by abortion in India, its history and the original intent by lawmakers; and the way it’s been abused by certain people. Very similar to America, really.
What will you be up to here?
I’ll be telling jokes about current events in India. Of course, my act is riddled with self-obsession, so I’ll speak obsessively about my boyfriend and my weight gain or loss, depending on the day.
We hear you will be doing a small piece about the Koran?
A small piece? Have I been edited already? I intend to discuss the Koran as a reaction to the Bible, and compare the icons. I wouldn’t say I’m worried about someone taking offence. I’m counting on it. I mean, if one goes to a comedy club and sees a series of comics, one might expect to be offended, but live performance is a gamble.
Does your material change from place to place?
In Britain, I’m careful about discussing race, because the audiences tend to be a bit touchy. Race is okay in the US, but international politics isn’t, since war is less a battle and more of a geography lesson there. I hear I should steer clear of European politics in India. But we’ll see.
How do you see a comic play an instrumental role in society?
I think a comic might be the only person working, if necessary, without restraint. Comedy is meant to strain people’s sensibilities, and if the show ends with at least a few audience members questioning their own political views, or just wondering how they could’ve laughed at, say, AIDS jokes, then that’s a good show.
Our job is to make serious subjects funny, or at least palatable, and the club is a free space, so the crowd can laugh, in the dark, about whatever they like. I envy the audience. They have a chance to change.
Can you tell us about how you started in comedy?
I started in a gay club in San Francisco. God, it sounds like I’m going break into a song. Anyway, I found a reasonably supportive atmosphere, and from there, I went to the UK and played a few festivals where I garnered some attention, probably because I was unique. American, queer, up-front and just self-hating enough to work on the circuit.
Your future goals?
I’d like to just drive up to the theatre, roll down my limousine window, bark out my jokes, roll the window up and drive away. I’m kidding. I’d want to be driven.
What else will you be doing in India?
Lots of yoga, and cruising of parks.
At: 8.30 pm, June 2 to 5, The Comedy Store, 3rd floor, Palladium Mall, High Street Phoenix, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
Call: 43485000