Womedy and its women: How female comedians confront and perform gender within dress and costume, in their stand-up performances
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Abstract
This research is grounded in gender, comedy and costume and investigates links that weave through humour and gender. Is costume the link? This research grew from the perception that ‘men are funnier than women’ or that ‘women aren’t funny’, as mentioned by Jerry Lewis and Christopher Hitchens. This perception held female comedians out of the comedy industry. However, this is changing as more female comedians are rising to fame. This study examines this perception and stereotypes to explore how female comedians are changing this perception. The research uses the theoretical framework of a semiotic analysis of ten signs and a gender performativity lens inspired by Judith Butler to determine their role in sanctioning these perceptions. Through three case studies, this research examines gender inequalities and differences. I explore the practice of women’s stand-up comedy and its space by comparing three female comedian’s performances to determine whether female comedians perform gender
Description
A research report Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for a Ma by Research, Theatre and Performance, In the Faculty of Humanities , School of Arts, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024
Keywords
UCTD, omedy, costume, female comedians, gender performativity, semiotic analysis, stereotypes
Citation
Florentino, Gabriella. (2024). Womedy and its women: How female comedians confront and perform gender within dress and costume, in their stand-up performances [Masters dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. WIReDSpace. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/44687