Her skin is black. Her hair is kinky. Her hips are wide. Her tongue clicks the songs of the Khoi language. Saartjie Baartman is the proud embodiment of the Khoisan women of South Africa. But in London 1810, she is the ‘Hottentot Venus’, a freak of race and sexuality. We see her displayed as a medical curiosity by British Army doctor Alexander Dunlop. Saartjie’s black body has been prodded, whipped and mimicked for audiences’ amusement for years. Saartjie stands as the epitome of colonial exploitation, ridicule and commodification of black women.
This performance is 1 of 9 brand new radio plays that will be recorded in front of a live audience, for broadcast in September. This is a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of a studio environment, complete with a full cast and live sound effects.
Each recording is followed by a Q&A with the creative team.