Linus Karp explores impact of hate crime in Edinburgh Fringe solo show
Hits Radio Pride has been catching up with the writer, actor and director behind 'Linus Karp Was Hit With An Umbrella'
Last updated 2 hours ago
Edinburgh Fringe season is well underway, and we've been catching-up with Swedish actor, director, and writer Linus Karp, who's bringing his solo show to the city, exploring the lasting impact of a homophobic attack in London.
Drawing from an incident in July 2024, 'Linus Karp Was Hit With An Umbrella' delves into the emotional journey following an incident in Soho, London, where Karp was struck with an umbrella while derogatory slurs were shouted.
Linus has described the show as more than just a recount of the story, but a deep dive into the emotional aftermath and societal implications of being targeted for one's identity, whilst delving into the heroic acts of Joseph Martin, his now-husband, who helped him that night.
And as the programme says, 'It’s also funny'.
'Writing the show has felt very cathartic'
"I think creating and writing the show has felt very cathartic, because I do think, as queer people, we get used to living with a sort of queerphobia," Linus told Hits Radio Pride.
He added: "We often laugh about it, or make it seem smaller than is actually is, but going into this show has almost helped me understand the depth of this attack.
"Someone actually tried to kill me, just because I was walking in Soho, looking visibly queer.
"Ultimately, though, I think it's a story of love and queer joy, and it's also surprisingly funny!
"It's been so nice, in the previews of the show, how much people have been able to laugh - and if someone could make a joke of the hate crime committed against me, it is me.
"It's been nice to tell the story that's not just dark and harrowing, but joyful, ridiculous, and comedic.
"I was determined to make a show that was entertaining, and it's been so heart-warming and relieving to see the reaction of audiences so far.
"I'm just so excited to take this show to the Fringe now!"
'I just kept thinking it was some kind of accident'
With the show reflecting on Linus' harrowing experience two years ago, what's come out of it has clearly been joyful, and shown him the power of a community coming together.
And what's Linus told us was the most surprising, is how people took his story, and tried to reflect it on their own.
As he described: "I couldn't really understand, at the time, that this man was doing this to me, saying that he wanted to kill me.
"I just kept thinking it was some kind of accident.
"This didn't feel real - and I couldn't get to grips that someone would want to attack me.
"You hear stories from friends, and people you know, but until it happens to you, it is difficult to really understand.
"When I made a social media statement, seeing articles online about pictures of me and my attack, that felt so weird reading about homophobic hate like that - because it was about me.
"But there was also an overwhelming outpouring of love.
"It was really interesting how people tried to bring their own narrative to my life, and my story.
"Since then, I have been back to Soho.
"The first times felt strange, and there are still times if someone reminds me of my attacker and how they behaved, but I've now got to a point where I can be in Soho without being constantly scared.
'I am so grateful that I am queer'
But, of course, the show shouldn't have had to have been made in the first place.
Linus' core message behind it all is that we can all be the chance society is calling out for.
As Linus said: "At the core of the show, this is about queer resilience, and how none of these things can destroy you.
"Queer people will always be here, and we will be joyful, and have each other's back - that's the key message.
"I think a lot of straight people don't realise how bad hate crimes have got in recent years, too.
"We all have enough knowledge to know better, so hopefully this show can be a part of the wider conversation.
"It's not something that has to happen, and we can all be responsible for doing our but to make sure it doesn't happen."
So, what's his main takeaway?
It's that he's truly embraced being himself - and taking his story to the stage is just one way of showing the world how he's proud of being queer.
"I pity straight people, in a way," Linus reflected.
"Queer joy is unlike anything else.
"The way you can have connections - across genders, across ages - straight people just can't have, I don't think.
"Queer people are funnier, and I am so not interested in straight people comparitively!
"We're funnier, sharper, better, more joyful to hang around with...
"I am actually - despite the hardships - so grateful that I am queer, and the queer community I have around me.
"That's something I never thought I'd ever feel, looking back as a closeted teenager, and trying to pray it all away."
The solo production will run from 5th to 30th August at Underbelly Bristo Square.
Awkward Prods will also stage their previous hit, Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story, from 24th to 30th August.