Presentation of Self as Performance

Abstract

Valerie Mason-John is an artist who draws on performance, orature and text. In an interview she traces the roots of her development as a performer to her early childhood; examines the creation of personas on stage and television, including outspoken, fun-loving Queenie, who has hosted at Pride; and explores the responses of black lesbian and other audiences. She also considers possible future directions for her work, including the impact which greater integration of different aspects of her life might have on her growth as a performer.