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by Aaron Smith (Author), Lisa B. Lewis (Foreword by)
Natural Born! Circus, Sideshow and the Art of Being Human by Aaron Smith, with a foreword by Lisa B. Lewis, explores the lives of contemporary sideshow and circus performers born with disabilities, known as "naturals" within their community. The book is based on interviews with approximately 20 of these performers, who share their reasons for choosing to exhibit their talents in venues like Coney Island and Omnium Circus. Smith, a non-disabled author, aims to present the perspectives of these "naturals" in their own words and to highlight sideshow and circus as modern art forms for disabled performers who actively choose to exhibit themselves.
The book delves into the significance of the term "natural born" within sideshow culture, where it denotes a higher status than non-disabled performers. It examines the complex relationship between sideshows and exploitation, contrasting historical perceptions with the self-determination and agency of present-day performers. Through individual stories, the book explores themes of artistic expression, personal empowerment, and the evolving nature of sideshows as a positive force for disabled artists who are reclaiming and reinventing the art form. The author emphasizes that this book is not a historical account but a 21st-century story of resilience and self-definition
