Early Roman comedy, dating to around 200 BC, was written and performed by slaves and poor men for an audience that included slaves and poor people. These writers and actors took the old comic character of the slave cook and did something new, in line with these plays’ general resistance to authority. This talk is illustrated by rarely-seen images of cartoon cooks contemporary with the plays, juxtaposed with modern parallels from cookie jars to South Park’s Chef to Betye Saar’s “Liberation of Aunt Jemima".

Content warning: this talk will include discussion and display of images related to modern slavery and anti-black racism.

Location: Rackham Amphitheater (4th floor)
NB: There are two spots for wheelchair users in the middle of the Amphitheater, using the North Entrance.

March 19th, 5:30pm
Free and open to the public
Reception to follow