2008 Woodie Awards
One-woman show addresses societal issues
By Taylor Gall
Rocket Contributor
Issue date: 11/18/05 Section: Life
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Ellis, a Pittsburgh native, holds degrees in American Studies and African American History. She is a professor at the University of Pittsburgh, but has taken a year off to take her show on tour. Better known as "Dr. Goddess," Ellis used humor to talk about problems of race, class, gender, and sexuality within the framework of American history and popular culture. At, Pitt she teaches courses in African-American history, theatre and poetry.
"Unfortunately, America's society is largely sexist," Ellis said. "We are dehumanizing each other and that is not the way to go."
Ellis's performance was about a young woman in urban America whose neuroses in academia meet the social commentary of the comedic stage. The show included five skits filled with dramatic monologues, poetry, music, hip-hop and African dance and sketch comedy. In her show, Ellis transformed into 15 different characters, including a grade-school girl, a southern white woman poet, and a black man trying to be a good father.
"I offer no simple solutions around women's empowerment, racial uplift, community responsibility and the heavy load of citizenship," Ellis said. "I want to spark discussion."
In her skit titled "Anything With a Phat Beat," Ellis discussed the power that a song's lyrics can have on the message that the listener gains. Ellis sang the words "hate your mother, hate your father, buy a gun," to stress the idea that while we listen to music we aren't aware that sometimes we are unconsciously accepting these lyrics.
"It's mostly about black women being the target of being called "baby mama drama," Ellis said. "Unfortunately, its not only the men using terms like this, we women do it to each other."
Freshman Kim Simpkins said the performance really had meaning to her.
"I really enjoyed the skit about the phat beat because I can relate to it," Simpkins said. "If hip-hop would come out with a positive message then society would be better off."
Another skit titled "If Revolution Were an After-Thanksgiving-Day-Sale" discussed issues such as war, slavery, and environmental issues like pollution and over-consumption.
Freshman Liz Byars said the performance had a lot of truth to it.
"I liked this skit because it's true that we always say we want a revolution, but no one ever does anything about it." Byars said.
Ellis said doing this couldn't be any better.
"I'm having a lot of fun," Ellis said. "I've danced and wrote poetry ever since I was little; one of my dreams was to get my Ph.D. and graduate."
SRU is the first campus in Pennsylvania that Ellis has visited while on tour. She will head to Los Angeles in the next few weeks, and will return to Pittsburgh for a show scheduled on April 7.
"I have confidence, I know I have a great show," Ellis said. "I'm living out my dreams."
