Feats of daring, coercion, seduction and sedition are performed by a luscious troupe of gorgeous performers in a smouldering burlesque. Comedic, politically astute and poetically informed, it's more than the adrenaline of circus, the titillation of burlesque, the charm of comedy or the heart of theatre. Salacious and subversive, we gently undress ideas around modern and historic sexuality for your fulfillment.
“...daring, juicy, ironic, provocative and very funny cabaret style commentary on modern and historic sexuality...”
Edna Heled, Rodney Times
“Burlesque as you like it - Not a Family Show” is both true to the origins of the genre and in discussion with the new wave of feminism, that of the "stiletto feminist", or “babe feminist” who believes the cliché of sex kitten, or the sexual consumer, to be ultimately empowering.
“They're all-singing, all-dancing, hula-hooping, tap-dancing and silks-climbing - impressive talents pressed into the
cause of merry-making.”
Review of The Sexy Recession Cabaret
by Janet McAllister for the Herald
cause of merry-making.”
Review of The Sexy Recession Cabaret
by Janet McAllister for the Herald
Prior to the 1950's in America burlesque simply meant "in an upside down style". Like its cousin, commedia dell'arte, burlesque turned social norms head over heels. Burlesque was a style of live entertainment that encompassed pastiche, parody, and wit.
April 1925, Madamoiselle Fifi on stage, whether by accident or design, striped her clothing to the waist and moved. The next few decades saw the rise of the striptease as a theatrical form and by the 1950's the quintessential American-style burlesque, which is often referenced today, had defined itself. Today the art of striptease, and the commercialization of the body, still holds social stigma not easily shaken. However we have begun to use these tools to empower ourselves in private.
Slick and savvy, sexy and sensational, with great singing and comedy to boot! This was a great night out and I would thoroughly recommend the show to any of my adult friends. The production breathes fresh life into the genre and I hope they have the opportunity to tour the work.”
Grae Burton, The Independent Theatre, Nelson
Grae Burton, The Independent Theatre, Nelson
“Burlesque as you like it - Not a Family Show” plays the archeologist, digging up the past for us to investigate through modern magnifying apparatus, the clown, slipping on lacy undies covered in whipped cream, and the provocateuse, balancing 'sexy' and 'intelligent' on the sharpened blade of a knife.
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