Lauren

Blog posts

  • Rethinking the question: "Why are there so few women in comedy?"

    In a recent interview with Lisa Leingang in the New York Times, Melena Ryzik asks the question: "Why are there so few women in comedy?" To answer it, you have to approach it the way Bill Clinton did during the Monica Lewinsky period. We have to deconstruct the terms.

    Read more >
  • Vamping with Theda Bara (Who?!)

    One of the highlights of our work at the Jewish Women’s Archive is uncovering hidden histories.

    Read more >
  • Molly Picon: A Celebrity for the Ages

    Years ago, when I was working on my undergraduate thesis on Yiddish film, I attempted conversation about the subject at cocktail parties (well, at that point they weren’t yet cocktail parties, but there were definitely M&Ms) –

    “Yiddish? Film? What? Like Yentl?”

    Read more >
  • Comedy, Cultural Memory & Legacy

    In a recent session of my comedy class for Jewish high schoolers, I instructed the students to re-do a scene in the style of the "Tonight Show with Johnny Carson." I might as well have s

    Read more >
  • Joan Rivers as Yoda

    I've always had a soft spot for Joan Rivers. Once, as a student at Barnard, (BC '98), Rivers's Alma Mater, I was highlighted by a Barnard publication for my work as a comedian, and was noted to be "the next Joan Rivers." Erroneously, this allowed me to believe that we were secret best friends, and that if ever I was to meet Joan -I would say "Hello, I am the next You; we are best friends, yes?"  Also erroneous is the claim itself - there is no "Next Joan Rivers" - she is irreplaceable  (nor do I come close).

    Read more >