Canadian comedian, Dawn Xanklin who is native to Ottawa is set to hold a stand-up comedy showcase in her city on the 21st of March 2025. It is an event that has the potential to be a culture-defining one, promoting black entertainment and popular culture in Ottawa, while spreading happiness through humour.
However, topics surrounding race tend to be sensitive soft spots for many, hence why the experience of watching Dawn navigating through it with genius stealth at a live show is one to steal for.
We ask the comedian about the show, what to expect and the gravity of its cultural impact in this interview piece that has been edited for length and clarity.
What impression/message does the event intend to leave on the community?
The event is about being Black in Canada. The event will remind the community that there are many different ways of being Black and that our community holds many different perspectives and experiences.
Could you touch on why the event was named “In the Black”?
“In the Black” is an expression that has multiple meanings. One meaning is “to be profitable” or “to thrive”. Use of the word “Black” is a reference to Black identities and communities.
How do you approach integrating cultural or social issues through comedy shows such as this?
This is a complex question. I can’t speak for all comedy shows. This one specifically focuses on how each comedian approaches being funny, talented, and Black in Canada – a place that is sometimes called “the Great White North”.
Is the set to be a long-term series or just a one-off?
I will be in a better position to determine this after the March 21 show is complete.
How did you end up with the lineup of comedians you have? Was there any thought process that went into selection?
Any good comedy show includes a thought process about the lineup. As a writer and performer, the topic of “home” has been an important theme in my content. As the Producer of “In the Black”, these are all performers that I’ve collaborated with online or in-person. I respect them as performers and I also respect how they describe their experiences in Canada.
In what ways has it been a struggle to promote black excellence in the Canadian comedy industry?
This is another complex question. I can’t speak for all comedy shows or about the entire Canadian comedy industry. What is exactly meant by “Black excellence”? And, why is that more important than Black “existence”? Our stories and perspectives matter even if they aren’t called “excellent”.
And in the opposite light, in what ways do you find support and acceptance when promoting black excellence in the Canadian comedy industry?
I’ll use “Black existence” instead of “Black excellence”. As I mentioned, I can’t comment on the Canadian comedy industry because I am one comedian who has only been performing for 8 years. I haven’t taken the time to assess what the promotion of Black excellence looks like across the industry. For me, I enjoy the support I get from diverse audiences where I don’t need to code switch when I am trying to entertain. As a comedy fan, I enjoy when performers offer content that I can relate to and that makes me feel seen. This is the experience that I hope that audiences will take away from the show on March 21.
What’s an experience that within the past 8 years of your career you would like to highlight as a black artist?
My first comedy milestone was appearing in my first lineup on Kenny Robinson’s Nubian show in Toronto in 2022. Kenny Robinson is like the Godfather of Black stand-up comedy in Canada. It’s an honor to be asked to perform in his show.
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