A Fascination with America
“I adore America!” exclaims Kieran Hodgson, a statement that carries significant weight during a tense global climate where America’s actions could potentially escalate into major conflict. Hodgson, hailing from Yorkshire, uses this bold declaration to introduce a brighter vision of the U.S. that he believes still exists, overshadowed as it may be by a certain infamous figure he prefers not to name outright. His show, Voice of America, explores his enduring affection for the U.S., despite his Europhile parents’ disdain, the disheartening Bush era, and a recent unsuccessful attempt to break into Hollywood.
The program adds to Hodgson’s impressive repertoire of autobiographical performances, which detail his geeky passions spanning from cycling and Mahler to European politics both in his youth and as an adult. However, Voice of America might not resonate as strongly, possibly because its theme—whether America is inherently good or bad—starts off somewhat black-and-white before reaching a more layered verdict, as expected from Hodgson.
Chasing the American Dream
Viewers might need to temporarily suspend their disbelief to embrace Hodgson’s rosy portrayal of pre-2000 America, which he saw through the idealistic lens of his younger self. Enthralled by cultural icons like the movie Home Alone, actor Will Smith, and the inspiring orations of JFK, Hodgson grew up mesmerized by American culture, his fascination only fueled by his parents’ dismissive references to “American rubbish.” His ambitions eventually led him to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, with Hollywood as the ultimate destination.
The narrative of the show weaves through Hodgson’s anecdote about a potential career-making role in a superhero film, which becomes a Pandora’s box involving his portrayal of an American character. This raises the question: what does it truly mean to be American? Is it the cultured individual he encounters at the opera, or perhaps the controversial current president, who, though unmentioned by name, looms over the narrative threatening to overshadow it? This theme provides a perfect stage for Hodgson to showcase his talents in voice imitation and humor, illustrated by clever jokes about Canadians resembling Ewoks, or the audio entertainment chosen for family road trips by the Hodgsons.
The structure of the show might be straightforward, likened humorously to Trump’s own blunt approach, yet it effectively portrays the complexities of a gentle British man engaging with the dominant myths and realities of America.
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The performance is set to run at the Soho Theatre in London until June 28. It will continue at the Pleasance Courtyard in Edinburgh from July 30 to August 24.
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Fatima Clarke is a seasoned health reporter who bridges medical science with human stories. She writes with compassion, precision, and a drive to inform.
