Hans Teeuwen, a discreet defender of free speech

"After the murder of his friend and collaborator Theo van Gogh, comedian Hans Teeuwen inherited the title of Holland's defender-in-chief of free speech" writes Brian Logan who informs us that Hans Teeuwen performs at the Soho Theatre, London, 18/1 to 2/2. "Since van Gogh's killing, Holland's best-loved comedian has not performed comedy in his home country. Nor will he do so again. He denies this is in protest at the murder, claiming simply to be seeking new challenges - such as launching an English-speaking stand-up career. ... The attempt by powerful elites within Islam to silence their critics is what Teeuwen objects to. For him, free speech is non-negotiable - and is a responsibility as well as a right. Which makes it all the more surprising that, in his comedy, he keeps his opinions to himself. 'It's just not my type of humour', he says. ... I would love to see Teeuwen's absurdist comedy and his politics come together and make sparks."

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