Ansa is a seasoned storyteller, writer, and walking dating disaster based in Washington, DC. For much of her adult life, she has been navigating single life with its complicated twists and turns and using these experiences to fuel her writing and performances. In 2022 she won the MothSLAM Champion Storyteller and since then I’ve performed at Washington, DC’s John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts and the Lincoln Theatre.
Tell us about your show.
Growing up, I was no stranger to being the “only one” — the only Black person, the only fat person, the only fat, Black person — in classrooms, workplaces, or creative spaces. But navigating dating after I thought I was in the clear with a marriage under my belt was a whole new ball game. Is This Normal? is a true-life storytelling show for anyone who questions their life choices, particularly for those usually relegated to the role of “funny fat friend” despite their main character energy.
How does it feel to be performing at Edinburgh Fringe Festival?
Out of the 3,317 acts heading to the Fringe in 2024, only 7.7% of them identify as persons of color. Of that group, the number who identify as Black women is tiny. This originally made me so anxious, that I wouldn’t find community, find an audience or find my people. My stories are about, well, me. What if no one cares? So far, I have been more than surprised, delighted, and grateful for this incredible experience. People are hilarious, creative and sincere! This is so wild. Having made the decision to bring a show to the Fringe last-minute in May, I cannot believe that I doubted myself or this festival for one second. I just received my first professional review (4 stars from EdFringe Review, baby!) and I’m excited to come back next year.
How do you want audiences to feel watching your show?
I want them to feel like they want to hug me, call my therapist themselves, or ask my Mom and Grandmother a few questions. I want them to feel seen and heard and to leave feeling like their lives can’t possibly be that crazy because apparently it can get even crazier, and if that woman on stage can laugh at all that, then maybe I can, too.
Which funny women do you recommend seeing in Edinburgh this year?
Some of my faves so far are Chanel Ali’s Break Up With Your Dad, 3 Queens of New York with Meka Mo, Onika McLean, and Glorelys Mora and Kenice Mobley’s Don’t Kill Yourself Yet. I laughed dangerously hard at Pretty Delusional with Gianna Milici, too. Seriously, these ladies have given me a semi-permanent side cramp.
Ansa Edim: Is This Normal, 15th, 16th and 19th-21st August at 7.45pm, at Royal Scots Club (Speakeasy). Book tickets here.
