Yes! Erica Watson is a “Fat Bitch!” but society made her this way!
Fat Bitch! is a funny yet thought-provoking look at how society’s obsession with weight, race, class, and gender stereotypes affect us all! Erica is getting ready for a performance in Los Angeles, CA so we wanted to get to know more about this curvy comedienne. Make sure you read this entire interview because there is a special announcement just for our readers.
We all tell a joke or two but when did you realize that you were a comedienne?
I think I’ve always been naturally funny, but I really started to see that I had a unique sense of humor when I was in 5th grade. I was the unofficial class clown, but I never got in trouble for it because I was also a really outgoing smart kid. Only funny dumb kids get in trouble! LOL!! But I developed a passion for getting on stage and making people laugh about 6 years ago. And now that I’m getting paid to do it, I really love it!
When learning your craft who inspired you?
Of course comedy legends like Bill Cosby, Eddie Murphy and George Carlin have inspired me and most other comedians. But ultimately I look at women like Moms Mabley, Phyllis Diller, Carol Burnett, Lucille Ball, Whoopi Goldberg and Joan Rivers of shining examples of what true talent, hard work and determination can do. While creating my 1 woman show “Fat Bitch!” I was inspired by Margaret Cho, John Leguizamo, Sandra Bernhardt as well as Anna Deavere Smith and Sarah Jones.
Tell us about “Fat Bitch”?
“Fat Bitch!” is my love letter to everyone that has ever called me that term. From the homeless guy who got mad at me when I offered him food instead of sex, to the chick who cursed me out last week when I cut her off in traffic. The title “Fat Bitch!” has been given to me and so many other plus sized women. So I decided to write a show that explains exactly how I became the woman that I am. I talk about America’s obsession with weight and how the “fat & sassy” black woman stereotype has affected my life in every way–from the boardroom to the bedroom! Ultimately my show is a conversation about how stereotypes keep ALL of us in a box! I’m trying to free myself…and other people too.
Has anyone ever let you know if they were offended by the title?
Girl please! So many people are offended by the title. But if you Google “Fat Bitch” you will see everything from porn sites to hip-hop songs. The term is used so often, but when I use it…all of a sudden it’s a problem. Also, many times people think the show is “hood” or “ghetto” because of the title, when in all actually it’s a really smart show. What’s sad is that I think people are offended more by the word FAT than the word BITCH. A show called Skinny Bitch would not be offensive….that’s a compliment. But FAT BITCH sounds angry, hungry and dare I say Black!
When does the national tour begin because I would love to see you perform in Detroit?
I am working on the national tour now and it will hopefully be in the Fall 2011 or early Spring 2012. My great friend Nazr Mohammed, who is the Center for the OKC Thunder is the producer of my show, and a big supporter of mine. In addition, my Alma Mater Columbia College Chicago along with famed Hollywood film Producer/Director Steve Pink are presenting me in Los Angeles, Denver and Atlanta (fingers crossed) to raise money for the Columbia College Chicago Alumni Scholarship fund. I am so blessed to have all of these people in my corner. Once we have finalized the dates for the tour I will let you know! I am looking for Corporate Sponsorships…so send people my way!
Upcoming Show Details:
WHERE: Greenway Court Theater 544 North Fairfax Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90036
FREE parking in the lot just north of the theater!
WHEN: Opens Friday, April 29, 2011, 8 p.m.
Closes on Sunday, May 1, 2011
Three shows only – 8 p.m. on April 29, 20, May 1.
TICKETS: http://www.colum.edu/erica
$15 for all regular performances
For more information about Erica Watson and her one woman show “Fat Bitch!” visit: www.fatbitchtour.com
Erica has agreed to give away 1 pair of free tickets to the opening night show! To win make sure you are doing the following:
- You MUST live in the Los Angeles, CA area
- Follow Erica Watson on Twitter & Facebook
- Follow Daily Venus Diva on Twitter & Facebook
- Join our Mailing list
- Leave a comment when you’ve done all of the above.
The contest ends on Tuesday, April 26th at 11: 59pm EST & Good Luck!!
Editor-In-Chief, Stephanie Penn-Danforth -- Daily Venus Diva.
Thank you so much for your article. I do not live in Los Angeles, yet will be there the last week of April. I am so there…meaning that I will definitely be attending this one woman show. I think that it is wonderful that her Alma Mater is supporting her in this way and she supporitng them as well. Be Blessed!!!
Typographical error on the above comment. My first name is TaWanda.
Hey! Don’t forget to show some love to NC too! I’d love to see the show! I even have a fat girl poem I wrote!