Kathryn Seabron Reveals the Rise of MYSOGYNOIR

by Robert M. Gardner

Kathryn Seabron’s unique solo show is rooted in an incident she had with the Human Resources Officer at the non-profit where she worked. Ultimately, we learn that a fellow white, female worker has brought a funny and frivolous complaint against Seabron. When we find out what her “offense” is, we have to break up in laughter.

Seabron goes on to prove to us—with science, graphs and video clips that Black women are universally victimized, ignored, and feared in American life. It’s a feat of incredible strength for many Black women to even face the world, much less to do so with calm, logic, and warmth. She maintains that Black women must work twice as hard to get half the recognition as others—and she proves her point with humor and wit.

We have long known that women are treated as second class citizens, but Seabron shows how much worse it is for Black women. We don’t like to have raw facts displace our dearly held prejudices. As a white male, I like to think that I am strong, caring, and kind and that I treat everyone I meet fairly.  Seabron made me realize that often I am lying to myself.

Seabron is angry but her show is both sobering and hilarious. Using film and video, Seabron shows a wide variety of Black women; she brings up images of greats from Maya Angelou to Toni Morrison, as well as many more Black women scientists and writers. She decries the perception of Black women as a “monolith,” and treats us to pictures of beautiful Black women in all shapes, sizes, colors, and professions. As Sojourner Truth herself said, confronting white suffragettes: “Ain’t I a Woman?”

Seabron’s warrior cry encompasses all women and reaches all men who are alert. She does a wonderful and enlightening segment on Black women’s hair.  A pet peeve for Seabron occurs when someone wants to touch her hair.  Whether a black woman wants to wear an Afro, cornrows, dye with wild colors, or go bald, it is her choice. Black women are not monolithic and choose many ways to wear their hair. But never do they want you to touch it—even if you ask. She introduces us to The Crown Act, passed in California in 2019, that allows Black women to wear their natural hair at work or school and not be harassed!

After proving to us how Black women are hated, Seabron introduces us to a new word: “MYSOGYNOIR—the specific hatred, dislike, distrust, and dislike of Black Women.” I wanted to protest that her statements are not true about me, but she is right. Racism is a slippery slope and to combat it we need to listen and to accept the truth of those who are the victims.

Seabron makes the point that Black women are strong and resilient and will survive. It’s a stunning show and ends with a memorable reveal. There’s lots to show and tell. Discover much more at The Marsh, Berkeley.

 

“Angry Black Woman 101” by Kathryn Seabron, directed by Lynn Vidal, tech by Blake Radiant, costumes by Dandy Vixen Designs, slides/videos by Angel Rittenberg, at The Marsh, Berkeley. Info: themarsh.org – to May 17, 2025.

Cast: Kathyrn Seabron

Banner photo: Kathryn Seabron. Photos: Cynthia Smalley