‘All about inclusion:’ Nanaimo entertainer returns from hiatus with new purpose
NANAIMO — A Nanaimo entertainer is returning to the stage, ready to shed her mask literally and figuratively to share an important message.
Bobbi Kurtz, perhaps better known as inspirational entertainer Aunti Bobbi the Clown, is stepping back into the spotlight with a renewed purpose of bringing the community together to celebrate inclusion, diversity, and acceptance.
After spending more than a decade delighting children as a popular clown, Kurtz said she stepped away to do some soul searching. It was during that time she came to some stark realizations.
Kurtz said she discovered her persona as a clown was her way of hiding behind a character. The concept of using a character to fit in recalled memories of being bullied for simply being herself as a child, Kurtz said.