Artist Statement

The Mammy Project is an original work made up of a series of monologues which explores the influence that the icon of "Mammy" has had on Contemporary American culture. My mission with this show is to re-imagine the cultural traditions from which the icon was born -- slavery, minstrelsy and advertising. By doing so, I am able to stretch and bend the boundaries of our perceptions. Developing this show has allowed me to form a process for creating that combines my acting, clowning, movement and writing skills. It has also given me a forum to express that I am.

Currently my mission is to take The Mammy Project out of New York City. My focus is universities, colleges, cultural centers and theaters throughout the United States, Canada, South America and Europe.  My outreach is to venues that allow and support continued discussion after the performance is over. The goal is not only to present my show, but to also open up communication on race, stereotyping, history and how this affects our everyday American lives right now.

I hope you will review the website and consider my show, as well as it’s accompanying workshop "Stereotypes Then and Now" as part of your upcoming season. The show is provocative and some might say controversial. My intention is to educate, entertain and more importantly to bring people together in asking some tough questions about race in America. I believe the dialogue this subject matter creates, will make a lasting impact long after I’ve packed up my pancake mix and gone home.

-->