The Moth Podcast Episode Summary: Tara Clancy & Adrienne Truscott

Release Date: October 11, 2016
Host: Kathryn Burns
Episode Title: Tara Clancy & Adrienne Truscott

Introduction

In this captivating episode of The Moth, host Kathryn Burns introduces two remarkable women, Tara Clancy and Adrienne Truscott, whose stories illuminate themes of resilience, identity, and transformation. The episode, released on October 11, 2016, showcases Tara’s humorous and poignant memoir launch and Adrienne’s gripping experience with threats during a performance at the Brisbane International Arts Festival.

Tara Clancy: From Queens to Manhattan – Embracing Choice Over Fear

Background:
Tara Clancy, a fifth-generation New Yorker, shares her journey of growing up in Queens under the shadow of familial fear and limited horizons. Her mother, embodying a reluctant pioneer spirit, balanced multiple lives between Queens and the opulent Hamptons, providing Tara with a unique upbringing that straddled contrasting worlds.

Key Themes and Insights:

• Generational Fear and Stability:
  Tara reflects on her family's hesitance to venture beyond their established environment, contrasting their stagnant security with the pioneering spirit of others. She humorously remarks, "[...] discovering the great unknown means New Jersey. Okay." (02:49)

• Dual Life of Her Mother:
  Tara describes her mother's dual existence—working as a cleaning lady and later as a secretary and girlfriend to a multimillionaire, Mark. This arrangement allowed Tara to experience affluent settings without the privileges of wealth, shaping her understanding of identity and ambition.

• Intellectual Conversations:
  Her weekends with Mark were marked by profound “moon and stars talks,” where deep philosophical questions sparked both enlightenment and personal introspection. Tara recalls, "Mark would ask me some enormous question, like, 'if I told you that the universe was infinite, how would that make you feel?'" (09:15)

• Breaking Free from Fear:
  At 16, Tara defies her apprehensions by inviting her friends to the Hamptons, blending her two worlds. This act symbolizes her transition from a life governed by fear to one driven by choice. She concludes, "That is not because of fear. That's my choice." (15:30)

Notable Quote:

"If you take someone's money, you have to take their advice." – Tara Clancy (05:12)

Conclusion:
Tara’s story is a testament to the power of choice in overcoming generational fears. By embracing opportunities beyond her comfort zone, she carves her own path, culminating in her move to Manhattan and the release of her memoir, The Clancy's of Queens. Kathryn highlights the significance of her work, noting, "It's about time for another one, huh? Go Tara." (15:46)

Adrienne Truscott: Navigating Threats and Maintaining Artistry in the Face of Adversity

Background:
Adrienne Truscott, a seasoned performer and half of the comedy cabaret duo Valva Sisters, recounts her harrowing experience during a performance in Brisbane. Her act, known for its boldness and feminist undertones, attracted both acclaim and unexpected hostility.

Key Themes and Insights:

• Creative Expression and Provocation:
  Adrienne describes their show, The Valva Sisters Last Supper, as a provocative blend of comedy, feminism, and performative art. The act involved unconventional elements like audience participation and provocative costumes, which stirred controversy. "Our show was like a boozy bawdy bacchanal of what the last supper on earth would look like to two feminist, queer, friendly, half-naked showgirls." (16:28)

• Facing Threats:
  Following the promotional phase, Adrienne and her partner received threatening letters, warning them to cancel their show. Initially dismissing these as baseless, they soon realized the severity when authorities intervened. Adrienne recounts the unsettling transformation of their Brisbane experience: "We arrived in Brisbane and... had to deal with high security risks." (20:45)

• Security Escalation:
  The festival’s response included heightened security measures, such as armed escorts and metal detectors disguised by local dance troupes. Adrienne poignantly observes, "I think it was the first time I ever had to think about a man just a few feet away with me with a gun as a point of safety." (22:10)

• Performance Under Threat:
  Despite the looming danger, the Valva Sisters continued their performances, adapting their shows with a heightened awareness of their safety. Adrienne shares a moment of emotional vulnerability post-show: "I just burst into tears. I feel like I blacked out." (28:00)

• Unresolved Threats and Reflection:
  The lingering threat remained unresolved, as revealed years later when Adrienne learned that the perpetrator never faced consequences. This realization prompted her to channel her experiences into her solo performances, focusing on themes like rape culture with renewed intensity and agency. "I think it's pretty clear. I think you really loved the show. It's that good." (29:20)

Notable Quotes:

"Why don't you read us the letter?" – Adrienne Truscott (23:50)
"If you get on stage and you're a little under the weather or tired, all these things come together." – Adrienne Truscott (28:50)

Conclusion:
Adrienne’s narrative underscores the resilience required to maintain artistic integrity in the face of hostility and threats. Her ability to transform fear into powerful performances highlights the enduring strength of creative expression. Kathryn praises her courage and impact, mentioning her accolades and continued influence in the arts: "Adrienne Trescott is a choreographer, acrobat, and comedian. Her work has been shown at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Just For Laughs and more..." (29:25)

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Moth beautifully intertwines Tara Clancy’s journey from a constrained upbringing to empowered self-determination with Adrienne Truscott’s battle against external threats to preserve her artistic voice. Both stories resonate with themes of courage, choice, and the relentless pursuit of personal authenticity. Through their narratives, Tara and Adrienne exemplify the essence of The Moth—sharing true stories that inspire and connect us all.

Podcast production by Timothy Lou Lee. The Moth podcast is presented by PRX, the Public Radio Exchange.