A third generation New Yorker, Meka Mo is an upfront tubthumper for multiculturalism. After some initial false starts, the American stand-up has traversed the globe and her growing professional engagement with the UK is to be welcomed. She’s in absolutely no doubt that there are powerful political machinations underway designed to divide and turn communities and demographics against one another. But the sweeping New York City Dreams is predominately a touristy account of her travels, from the diversity deficient West Virginia to the riot of exoticism that was her trip to India.
Mo has had a habit of rushing into such situations without due care and diligence in her research. And these episodes are marked by how much they transformed her over and above the impact she had upon those she met. Time and again, she’s been forced to step outside her comfort zone, often as the only Black woman in the vicinity. But she’s found the experience rewarding. Or at least instructive. Sprawling and a bit snapshot in its scope, the show could possibly benefit from greater focus and clarity. But the relaxed, charismatic Mo is an appealing anecdotalist to spend time with.
New York City Dreams, until 30 Aug, Just the Tonic at The Caves, 6.40pm