The Secret Life of Josephine Baker - Josephine, l'icône
Oct 17, 2023
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Ariana DeBose discusses Josephine Baker's rise to fame in France, her love for exotic animals, and facing racism. Josephine's unique banana outfit garners mixed reactions. She defies warnings and continues her tour to Germany amidst rising Nazism.
Josephine walked away from the theater to establish herself as a true artist, determined to forge her own path.
Despite facing rejection and prejudice in the US, Josephine continued to pursue her dreams of international recognition as both a singer and dancer.
Deep dives
Josephine's Spectacular Debut in Paris
Josephine's show in Paris was a sensational success. The audience was captivated by her unique dance style and magnetic energy. Parisians had never seen anything like her before. Her popularity soared, and her show kept getting extended. Josephine embraced her glamorous new life and indulged in romantic relationships. She even caught the attention of famous writer Ernest Hemingway. However, not everyone was amused by Josephine's daring performances. Producer Jacques Charles expressed his disapproval, leading to a confrontation between them. Determined to forge her own path, Josephine walked away from the theater, realizing that she had to keep working hard to establish herself as a true artist.
Josephine's Metamorphosis as an Artist
In Paris, Josephine discovered the freedom to be herself. She sought out mentors and managers to advance her career and reach a wider audience. Her efforts paid off when she was offered a starring role in a famous musical and became an icon of Parisian nightlife. Josephine's costumes and performances captivated the audience, especially her iconic outfit made of jewel-encrusted bananas. She also ventured into singing, training with vocal coaches and impressing directors with her ambitions. Despite her success in Europe, Josephine faced rejection and harsh criticism when she returned to the US. Undeterred, she continued to pursue her dreams of international recognition as both a singer and dancer.
Josephine's Unyielding Spirit and Turbulent Journey
Josephine faced numerous challenges and setbacks throughout her career. Despite receiving acclaim in Europe, she encountered racism and prejudice when she performed for white audiences in the US. Devastated, she returned to Paris where she continued to flourish. However, as Nazism gained power in Germany, Josephine faced hostility and warnings from friends about performing there. Determined to make her own choices, she embarked on the tour, defying the risks. Josephine's story is one of resilience, bravery, and the desire to make a difference. In the upcoming episodes, the podcast delves into her life as a spy during World War II, showcasing her extraordinary contributions beyond the stage.
Josephine becomes an international sensation and adopts France as her home. But in neighboring Germany, Nazism is on the rise and threatens her newfound freedom. With Ariana DeBose.