From minstrelsy to Aunt Jemima ads, pejorative representations of African Americans in popular culture has created barriers to their participation in clowning, especially for women of color. In this episode I discuss these issues with Michelle Matlock, pioneering Black female clown performer, through the lens of her work and 25 year career in clowning. In this synthesized version of our clownversation (see link above) Michelle and I discuss barriers, in particular those around race and gender, that prevent equal access to clowning and how they can be overcome. Michelle shares her journey in clowning, challenges faced by people of color in the performance industry, and her acclaimed solo show, 'The Mammy Project.' The conversation extends to Michelle's experience in Cirque de Soleil, the significance of decolonizing clowning, and the importance of bringing diverse cultural perspectives into clowning. >>MICHELLE'S WEBSITE >>CLOWN SPIRIT LINKS

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related