Michelle Matlock: Pioneering Change in Clowning

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.

Check out all Clown Spirit’s offerings: https://go.clown-spirit.com/

Join Clown Spirit Village: https://go.clown-spirit.com/clown-spirit-village

Enjoy Barnaby’s Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ClownSpirit

Watch the original clownversation with Michelle Matlock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNsF_hL5_Uw&t=430s

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.