"Coming out of the History Department at MCLA, and also having spent three years working on the Student Government Association (SGA), I had hoped to continue to pursue my interests and get a job working in government. I had been to the State House a few times for Student Lobby days, and had been in touch with my local representatives all throughout school, so after graduation, this was certainly to my advantage, as I now work on Beacon Hill."
Danielle Barboza ’06 Survivor Benefits Analyst – State Retirement Board, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
News & Press Releases
March 5, 2008
NORTH ADAMS, MA – Bearded woman Jennifer Miller, founder and artistic director of Circus Amok, will return to Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) on Tuesday, March 11, with a documentary film presentation and a performance at 7-9 p.m. in the Sullivan Lounge.
The event is free and open to the public.
Circus Amok, a New York-based, alternative queer circus, performs in poor and ethnic communities concerning issues of political interest. The issues include the environment, health care, education, homophobia, racism, human rights, public space and distribution of resources.
As part of her performance, Miller will show a 20-minute documentary entitled “Juggling Politics,” produced by Brazilian filmmakers Simone Bara and Guto Delgado. Made in 2003, it focuses on the 2003 Amok show “Home*Land* Security,” and includes interviews with Miller and Dick Zigun of the Coney Island Sideshow. Miller will introduce the film, providing background about the circus, and where it fits into contemporary political and theatrical landscapes.
Following the documentary, she will present a live performance.
Miller has worked with alternative circuses and theater and dance groups for more than 20 years. She has presented solo shows, “Morphadyke” and “Free Toasters Everyday,” in this country and abroad. Her work with Circus Amok was awarded a “Bessie” in 1995 and an OBIE in 2000. She has appeared on national TV talk shows, including Jerry Springer, Joan Rivers and RuPaul. Miller also has served as a Movement Research Artist-in-Residence and a Melon Scholar in Residence at Scripps College, and has taught at Cal Arts, New York University, and the University of California in Los Angeles.
Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Dr. Sumi Colligan, (413) 662-5472. The event is sponsored by MCLA’s department of Academic Affairs, the Diversity Committee, the Department of Sociology/Anthropology/and Social Work, and the Susan B. Anthony Women’s Center.
