Explore our city’s upcoming humanities events from performances and lectures to celebrations and multi-media experiences. These public events are created and hosted by either HumanitiesDC, our grantees or local partners. To submit an event for consideration, please complete this form.
HumanitiesDCPresents Culture Series: Comedy Across the River explores the stand-up scene east of the Anacostia and the lack of performance spaces in Wards 7 and 8. Comedians have long brought people together through laughter while making difficult conversations more accessible. But what happens when the artists behind those voices are left without places to develop their craft?
Inspired by C. Darren Thompson’s AFRO article, “Comedy East of the Anacostia Is No Laughing Matter,” the program features three performers sharing their experiences growing up in a city with a deep comedic history, while lacking access to venues to watch, learn, and perform comedy.
The evening will begin with stand-up performances from our featured comedians, followed by a panel discussion centered on the bold question: Who gets to laugh together, and what is lost when communities east of the Anacostia are left out?
If you’ve ever wondered who gets to be heard in the city, join us as we open the conversation right here in Anacostia!
Register here.
More About the Curator: Clyde Darren Thompson is a Navy Veteran, eighth-generation Washingtonian, stand-up, sketch, and improv comedian, and community busy body. He teaches improv comedy for the Armed Services Arts Partnership, serves as a Board Member for Washington Improv Theater, and is the Founder of the East River Dog Park Group. He most often performs improv comedy with his troupe, Baggage Claim, and sketch comedy with his team, The RENS. He is a proud alumnus of Prince George’s Community College, The University of Maryland at College Park, Loyola University of New Orleans College of Law, and The George Washington University School of Business.
Bring some humanity to your inbox:
Subscribe to our Newsletter.