THIS week Black Orchid Burlesque SA will present a show in the upstairs theatre at Alexander Bar & Café entitled Stripped Bare.
As racy as it sounds, this doesn’t refer to full nudity – which is not part of traditional burlesque – but to the challenge which was put to the troupe members to strip their performances of all props and gimmicks to present acts that capture the pure essence of classical burlesque.
As a Black Orchid member, I had first-hand experience of this challenge and all it entailed so for the next three nights I will be on stage for my first solo, which is as nerve-wracking as it is exciting.
Our troupe leaders Diva Disastar and King St. FOX like to challenge us to experiment in all the genres and styles the burlesque world has to offer, and the challenge was set to create a performance piece that pays homage to the roots of burlesque and the quintessential essence of the cheeky bumps and grinds, the delightful tease of a seductive stocking peel, and the power of a coy smile that can convey so much about a performer while still concealing just enough to captivate imaginations.
“We are taking our art form to the public in a different way,” says Diva Disastar – SA’s Dame of Burlesque. “The mark of a true burlesque performance is knowing how to expose it all by showing not only fierce sexuality but also vulnerability as a performer who publically displays their art form through the use of their bodies.“
It was an opportunity for us all to learn from each other, as well as how to please our audiences, says Diva Disastar. “It is an art form we perform for ourselves, at the end of the day, but it is a performance art that is done for the public who pay for the right to see our our art form performed. It’s up to us to create the highest standard that we can – as individuals and as well as a company – because we always want to put our ‘breast’ foot forward.”
This show is completely new – none of the acts have been seen before, and even the seasoned artistes will be bringing fresh material to the stage – which is hopefully as exhilarating for the audience as it is for us. “We are really putting ourselves out there and baring our souls,” says Diva Disastar. No pressure…
EVENT INFO
Where: Alexander Bar & Theatre
When: July 10, 11, 12 at 7pm
Tickets: R120, book online at alexanderbar.co.za/shows
R.O.A.R.
This is an adult themed show – yes, the clothes come off. No, there is no full nudity. Our ladies and gents are classy.
Black Orchid Burlesque South Africa – tastefully titillating South Africa since 2007
PHOTO CREDITS: JOHAN VERMEULEN, MOONLIGHT STUDIO, FEATURED IMAGE BY HENNIE LOMBARD, CADMUS PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO
