From comedy targets to comedy-makers: disability and comedy in live performance |
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Authors: | Sharon Lockyer |
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Affiliation: | Centre for Comedy Studies Research, Sociology and Communications, Brunel University London, London, Middlesex, UK |
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Abstract: | The stand-up comedy landscape has been transformed in recent years with an increased number of disabled comedians performing. Using semi-structured interviews with disabled comedians, this article provides a thematic analysis of the material and ideological motives, intentions and lived experiences of disabled comedians. Two themes are discussed: comedy management and control; and affirming disability through comedy. These themes are characterised by complexity and contradictions. The article concludes that, although not a straightforward process, stand-up comedy enacted by disabled comedians is potentially a powerful tool through which hegemonic norms around disability can be challenged and renegotiated. |
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Keywords: | disabled comedians stand-up comedy management and control affirming disability |
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