Rotus: The Satirical Take on Trump's America
In the midst of an increasingly polarizing US politics landscape, comedian Leigh Douglas brings her maga-satire show Rotus to London, coincidentally arriving in a week that feels eerily relevant. As Chastity Quirke, a conservative sorority girl turned White House receptionist for Donald Drumpf's administration, Douglas skewers the sexism and misogyny that permeates Trump's regime.
The show kicks off with a frenetic energy, as Chastity passionately proclaims her love of "Maga values" and asks the audience to scream if they believe in making America "hot again." But beneath the surface, Douglas's character has more than just a pretty face – she sees herself as a vital cog in Drumpf's operation. However, with the administration planning to defy the law by staying in office past two terms, Chastity finds herself torn between her loyalty and her conscience.
Douglas is a masterful performer, effortlessly shifting between Chastity and other characters, including Drumpf's sleazy advisors and coquettish female colleagues. The sparse set cleverly adapts to each new persona, never feeling too restrictive. However, as the show progresses, the jokes begin to feel less biting and more broad, with some of Douglas's signature wit losing its edge.
The show's tone falters in its final act, ending abruptly without much resolution or a clear message. Despite this, there's still plenty to appreciate in Rotus. Douglas has nailed the essence of maga women – not just their desire for physical beauty but also their insatiable hunger for power and influence.
In the midst of an increasingly polarizing US politics landscape, comedian Leigh Douglas brings her maga-satire show Rotus to London, coincidentally arriving in a week that feels eerily relevant. As Chastity Quirke, a conservative sorority girl turned White House receptionist for Donald Drumpf's administration, Douglas skewers the sexism and misogyny that permeates Trump's regime.
The show kicks off with a frenetic energy, as Chastity passionately proclaims her love of "Maga values" and asks the audience to scream if they believe in making America "hot again." But beneath the surface, Douglas's character has more than just a pretty face – she sees herself as a vital cog in Drumpf's operation. However, with the administration planning to defy the law by staying in office past two terms, Chastity finds herself torn between her loyalty and her conscience.
Douglas is a masterful performer, effortlessly shifting between Chastity and other characters, including Drumpf's sleazy advisors and coquettish female colleagues. The sparse set cleverly adapts to each new persona, never feeling too restrictive. However, as the show progresses, the jokes begin to feel less biting and more broad, with some of Douglas's signature wit losing its edge.
The show's tone falters in its final act, ending abruptly without much resolution or a clear message. Despite this, there's still plenty to appreciate in Rotus. Douglas has nailed the essence of maga women – not just their desire for physical beauty but also their insatiable hunger for power and influence.