Essay Questions

Do you think that Suzan-Lori Parks is exploiting Sarah Baartman by writing about her?

Arguably, one of the biggest ironies of the play is that Baartman is being exploited all over again by the play's author. After all, her actual life, struggles and ultimate end are not historically accurate; instead, she is the springboard for the play, and for the points that the author wants to make about the objectifying of African-American women and the exploitation of native cultures by imperialist colonials. Her own life is not represented at all other than in the basic facts of her existence; her name, Sarah Bartmaan, and her affliction and appearance. Yes, she was a sideshow attraction, but we know nothing of her actual experience, because the author fictionalizes her and gives her a life that she may or may not have had, for the sake of the play. So, it could definitely be said that the author is also exploiting her for artistic and commercial reasons, similar to the way in which Mother Showman does in the play.

What does the play tell us about Nineteenth Century entertainment in London?

The play tells us that entertainment was often what would be considered "cheap and cheerful" and quite frequently exploited anyone who might be different or physically impaired in any way. This was the era of the Elephant Man, whose cranio-facial deformities brought him worldwide fame, a global tour, and pretty much nothing else; the owner of the sideshow that displayed him made his fortune because of the Elephant Man's fame and notoriety. This was also the time when medical conditions that were not yet understood were explained as something freakish; the Bearded Lady was most likely a woman who suffered from hirstutism, and had no choice other than to be bearded. This was an era predating any kind of tonic or temporary cure for conditions such as these. Conjoined twins would also be displayed in such sideshows, generally exhibited as the Two Headed Woman. Crowds were encouraged to "roll up" and stare at that which they did not understand. The entertainment revolved around poking fun at, or gawking towards, anything that was outside of the general realm of knowledge or normality, hence the "freakshow" moniker that so many of these exhibits were given.