The Colored Museum

Roving follow spots and a timpani drum roll begin this exhibit. The voice of an announcer proclaims the American debut of Lala Lamazing Grace, a world-renowned star. Glamourous images of a musical diva are projected onto the walls.

Lala struts ono the stage and begins singing in an affected French accent. Her song tells the audience how everyone loves her throughout the world. She repeats “everyone” multiple times. She announces that she has finally returned home to the United States, to her people, “my blood, my guts” (39). She compares herself to Aretha Franklin, with roots in the Black church. She questions why America doesn’t accepted her while France embraces her. She compares herself to Paul Robeson, James Baldwin, and Josephine Baker. As she sings a song about leaving to find a better place, her servant Admonia wheels Flo’rance, Lala’s lover, onto the stage. He wears a white mask with blonde hair. He is gagged and tied to a chair.

Lala introduces Admonia and Flo’rance to the audience. She calls Admonia her slightly overweight Black maid and Flo’rance her lover. Lala says she and Flo’rance met in Paris and that he gave Lala her current name.