Sarah Hester Ross on her one-woman show: ‘In a fun and musically catchy way, I’m calling out misogyny’
Sarah Hester Ross is not pussyfooting around with the title of her new one-woman show. She talks to Marissa Burgess about calling out hate and how so-called taboo words can empower us
Just when we thought we’d got it sorted, big sections of the western world are rolling back on women’s and LGBTQ+ rights. A welcome antidote comes in the form of US cabaret performer and comedian Sarah Hester Ross who frequently goes viral with her no-holds-barred takes on feminism and eschewing prejudice. ‘As an artist with a large platform, if I wasn’t using its reach to call out injustices, I don’t think I would deserve that platform. It’s on all of us to use the tools and gifts we have to challenge sexism, racism, homophobia and all of the hate and ignorance out there.’
Hester Ross has been performing since she was a child and describes herself as having ‘basically come out of the womb performing’. She’s played across America and gone viral on TikTok with songs such as ‘Finally Old Enough (To Not Give A Fuck)’ and ‘Stop Giving Men Microphones’. Serving Cunt sees her return to the Fringe for a second time with a joyous hour of bite-back entertainment, specially curated for Edinburgh. ‘It’s energising as an artist to be surrounded by so many brilliant performers and interesting shows. Fringe audiences are the best crowds, with impeccable taste. This is a true cabaret variety show, and is actually inspired by the last time I was in Edinburgh and the incredible shows I was privileged to experience. I was blown away by artists who were so free and original.’
And that title? To Hester Ross, it’s about ‘living your truth unapologetically, which in turn inspires others to do the same’, and stems from her parody of ‘I’m Coming Out’ by Diana Ross (‘I’m Serving Cunt’, for the uninitiated). ‘I talk about the phrase’s origin from black, queer ballroom culture and how it should be something that empowers us all. In a fun and musically catchy way, I’m calling out misogyny and highlighting patriarchal hypocrisy.’ And what a fabulous way to go about it.
Sarah Hester Ross: Serving Cunt, Gilded Balloon Teviot, 5–29 August, 4.20pm.