Being Big, Black & Ugly in a World that Ain't Got Space For Your Fat Ass: A Solo Performance of My Own Design

Abstract

Being Big, Black, & Ugly in a World that Ain’t Got Space for Your Fat Ass is a thesis solo show that examines the direct effect of beauty standards and body images on the big, black female body. This thesis explores my creative development and self-love journey in making and building my show from the ground up. From brainstorming to affirming myself, I was able to create a piece of work specific to my life story but so universal that it can transport any audience member through nostalgia, laughter, trauma, and reclamation. This show was created from my mother’s first words of reaffirmation: “Bria, don’t let that get to you. You are wonderfully and fearfully made. And when people talk bad about you, they are just jealous because they see God all up and through you, baby. You are beautiful. Never forgot who you are and whose you are. God made you in his own image.”