Circus History w/ tristan

Can you give a brief introduction to Miss Lala?

Miss La La  born April 21, 1858 - March 21, 1945. Anna Olga Albertina Brown was an Afro-German circus artist who not only broke race and gender barriers but left thousands in awe as she lifted men and cannons with her teeth! Her story is not often told but her life and incredible feats should be known worldwide! She is one of greatest black circus artists to live!

Has her work impacted the present at all? How?

Yes very much so. It’s funny I didn’t find out about who she was until I was an adult and my first thought was “ as a child circus artist why didn’t I know about her? Why wasn’t I taught about her?” She is a crucial part of not just black circus history but CIRCUS history. She is usually only recognized for being the model/muse for painter Edgar Degas painting MISS LALA at CIRQUE FERNANDO. But her life and career was that and so much more. For me she represents a representation in circus we are often not taught about. For me knowing there was someone years ago who not only did what I did BUT who looked like me! 

Representation in circus is so important because it validates experiences, fosters inclusion, and shapes societal perceptions by ensuring diverse groups—across race, gender, and ability—are visible in the circus ring and circus world. 

Why did you feel compelled to make an act about Miss LaLa?

Yes! Thank you for this question. As soon as I learned about her I felt it was my duty to spread her story far and wide. As I said I was just shocked that nobody had told me about her and her work and life in the circus. The feeling I felt as I first learned about her was profound. I actually remember saying to myself “see I do belong in the circus world” and I want others to feel that same feeling of being worthy to be in this world. 

Why is she important for black history in circus?

Well black circus history, is circus history! Often black circus artists careers were not documented, recorded, or given adequate attention. So we are playing catch up here and it’s so important that we know about these artists who prevailed the barriers and still shined in the ring. The history of black circus has some very painful and dark moments so if someone prevailed and still found a way to shine their light, this is something that needs to be celebrated, shouted from the rooftops (bigtop)! It’s also important that everyone black, white, blue knows this history because again it is all of our history.

How can people honor her legacy?

Oh wow, I love this. Learn about her, share about her! 

What challenges did she face, and are those challenges at all still relevant today?

She faced race & gender challenges. She fought for equal pay to her white counterpart. She performed an act called Iron Jaw lifting a cannon and men with her teeth. She faced many challenges that we still face today and she prevailed. 

If you could talk to her right now, what would you say?

I hope I am doing your story justice and thank you Anna, thank you Miss La La, you have done more for me then you will ever know.