By Creig Ewing
Afrolachia is a pioneering collective of headlining comedians from the heart of Appalachia, embodying the diverse, vibrant voices and narratives of Black excellence in comedy.
Comics include some of the most successful comics in Kentucky who often headline and travel across the country: Holly Lynnea, Joe Deuce, Will McKenzie, Keith McGill, Larry Starks, Goo McIntyre, Sean Smith and Eric Kimbrough.
Their motto is: Life is hard. So is our comedy!
They will perform Sunday, Feb. 15, at 6 p.m. at Actors Theatre Louisville. Tickets are available here.
Afrolachia member Sean Smith of Louisville answered some questions from Louisville Laughs.
What is Afrolachia?
Afrolachia is an entertainment community providing an outlet for great entertainers of color in the Appalachian Region, using comedy in the way our people use music, storytelling and other art to tell the truth about our experiences.
Inspired by artistic movements by creatives banding together to make away for themselves and others, we aspire to craft a similar path.
How does Afrolachia differ from a traditional standup comedy show?
Most comedy shows are set up to showcase the headliner. Our show is set up to showcase the performers. We are trying to create a unique experience that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
At the end of every show, we end with a Question and Answer session that brings authenticity to the performance.
What can people expect to see at the show on Feb. 15 at Actors Theatre of Louisville?
People can expect to see a celebration of black comedy with 8 different performers having their own styles and original material. The heart of this show is our belief in stand-up comedy as an artform that can reach anyone.
It is a way that is truly different from any other performance style. Our expansion of the art form with music and filmed sketches is a way to add different elements to our show and set it apart from others.
Sean Smith
Do you find that comics from Black Appalachia have experiences that people haven’t heard or that many people aren’t even aware of a Black Appalachia?
I believe what you’re asking is if Black comedians have experiences that people haven’t heard or that many people aren’t aware of. I’ll answer that two different ways:
All of us have stories of getting on stage and saying proudly “I’m from Kentucky…” and getting off stage and hearing “They have black people there?”
Black people who don’t live in New York, L.A., or Atlanta often get grouped into one big, imaginary voice. But our experiences aren’t monolithic. We come from country roads, city blocks, small towns, and everywhere in between.
When we travel, sometimes we have to adjust to what the crowd thinks our voice should sound like. Afrolachia is about not adjusting. It’s about being fully ourselves and letting that resonate with whoever’s listening.
Turns out, authenticity travels well.
What is the goal for this Afrolachia?
Kentucky and surrounding areas are filled with incredible talent. Our problem is that our aspirations are too low. Everyone is fighting over the same stages and being recognized on local Top Ten lists. But what else can you aspire to if you’ve never seen anyone get more attention than that?
People tell us constantly that we have to leave whatever city we’re from to be “successful” in the art form. When they leave, those people are mysteriously no longer from your city. Now they’re being introduced as “From Chicago” or “From Atlanta.”
We will transcend traditional pathways to comedy stardom while shining a light on the voices within Black communities that have yet to be heard.
Check out the Afrolachia website here and join the movement.
Get your tickets to the Feb. 15 Actor’s Theatre show here.
