“Women Aren’t Funny!” and Other Myths: The Experience of Women in the Creative Industries

In this episode, Asha Metcalfe and Rosie Hillary are joined by Eilis Boden and Jess Martins to discuss what it is like to be a woman in the creative industries. We investigate stereotypes imposed upon women, such as ‘women aren’t funny’ and ‘women can’t take a joke’, and unpack the harm caused when those generalisations are internalised.

By looking at the comedy scene in and beyond Cambridge, we explore the way in which the male experience being regarded as universal impacts how and when women are ‘allowed’ to be funny. We also turn to the music industry, thinking about how songwriting can act as a form of emotional processing, and discuss why female ‘pop icons’ often face stigma for displaying vulnerability. Interrogating the concept of the ‘internalised male gaze’, we ask how societal perception shapes the way these women view their work and their place in the creative industries?

Go watch Eilis in her upcoming shows!

11th-13th March - Four Sketches and a Funeral https://www.adctheatre.com/whats-on/comedy/four-sketches-and-a-funeral/

19th-21st March - Rushed Hour https://www.adctheatre.com/whats-on/comedy/rushed-hour/

Listen to Jess Martins on Spotify here… https://open.spotify.com/artist/4AqSqzn0lwECIcgbXSKyyJ

… and keep up with her new releases on Instagram!

https://www.instagram.com/jesssmartinsss

Follow the Feminist Files on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_feminist_files_

Follow the Feminist Files on Substack: https://substack.com/@thefeministfiles

Episode edited by Rowan Berkley

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