Natural Born! Circus, Sideshow and the Art of Being Human

Natural Born!: Circus, Sideshow and the Art of Being Human

Set aside everything you think you know about sideshows and circus acts-this groundbreaking book reveals the vibrant, living culture of 21st-century performers with disabilities who proudly embrace the title "natural born."

Through intimate interviews with approximately 20 extraordinary artists-including the astonishing Shorty the Half-man, the captivating Lobster Girl, and the electrifying John-T. Rex-Natural Born! takes you behind the curtain and into the lives of performers who have transformed their unique bodies into breathtaking artistry. These are the showpeople commanding stages at inclusive venues like Omnium Circus and the iconic Coney Island's Sideshows by the Seashore, where disability isn't a limitation-it's the very foundation of their powerful self-expression.

This isn't a dusty history lesson. It's a living testament to human resilience, creativity, and the fundamental right to live life on your own terms. You'll witness their triumphs, understand their frustrations as they navigate societal expectations, and share in their infectious joy as they celebrate what makes them gloriously unique.

Natural Born! challenges you to look beyond fleeting glances and connect on a purely human level. Prepare to have your perceptions transformed as you discover the autonomy, agency, and sheer artistry of these remarkable performers.

You'll close this book with a profound new appreciation for diversity, accessibility, and the extraordinary art of being human.