Pantomime, Performance Art and Black Feminism

Amant New York, Spring 2025 Resident Rosa-Johan Uddoh presents Pantomime, Performance Art, and Black Feminism. This performance lecture draws from Uddoh’s research into performance art and pantomime, a popular type of satirical, slap-stick musical play originating in Britain that was exported to and appropriated in its former colonies and is still performed across local and national theaters every Christmas.

Blending comedy, drag, and audience participation—the latter sometimes rewarded with the giving of sweets—traditional pantomime parodies European fairytales while offering light commentary on contemporary politics. This lecture takes an experimental approach, exploring pantomime through a Black feminist lens to ask after slapstick’s radical potential. How can laughter, call-and-response, and audience engagement spark an activist mindset? And could a visit from your fairy godmother be the perfect antidote for breaking free from the imperialist, white supremacist, capitalist patriarchy?

This program is part of the For Your Reference series, where our artists in residence share and discuss key references informing their ongoing research at Amant. Amant programs are always free. RSVPs are strongly encouraged. Seating is first come, first served with some standing room available. Doors for Pantomime, Performance Art, and Black Feminism will open at 6:45pm on Wednesday, April 2 in Géza, located at 306 Maujer.

Host or Publisher Amant Foundation