Written and directed by Robin Thede, the HBO comedy show will also star Issa Rae, Gabrielle Dennis, and Quinta Brunson.
Last week it was announced that a very funny quintet of black women will be bringing a totally innovative yet long overdue version of the beloved sketch comedy show to HBO in August. Created by comedian Robin Thede, the appropriately named “A Black Lady Sketch Show” will also star Issa Rae, Ashley Nicole Black, Gabrielle Dennis, and Quinta Brunson.
A Black Lady Sketch Show on Twitter
Y’all ?? ain’t ?? ready. ?? #ABlackLadySketchShow premieres August 2 on @HBO. #ABLSS https://t.co/Vl5JNke29e
Issa Rae will produce the half-hour show via Issa Rae Production–announced back in January.
The history of sketch comedy shows has been largely dominated by male creatives in the mainstream, doubly so for shows led by African-American talent.
The only successful, woman-led sketch comedy shows that come to mind are “The Tracey Ulman Show”, and “The Carol Burnett Show” prior to that.
Even in those instances, it took decades for one to follow the other. It would seem that in a society where black themes are regularly marginalized, that setting positive historic precedence often takes a backseat maintaining a status quo devoid of black, brown and female faces.
