Burlesque performances are traditionally humorous theatrical productions, a form of musical and theater parody in which a play or other piece is adapted in an often risqué and sexual manner. Rarely are true Burlesue performances seen anymore. But on March 12 the Portland community will have the chance to see an updated Burlesque show put on by our very own USM community.
The USM Gender Studies Student Organization and Women’s Resource Center will produce “Burlesque, Burlesque!” a show of skits, comedy routines, dance, and song on March 12 at One Longfellow Square, Portland.
Danielle Bernier, the secretary of the Gender Studies Student Organization in charge of finances for the show, said she expects the show to be a lot of fun.
“It will basically be a variety show, burlesque dancing, some dancers from the drag show, as well as different types of dance styles,” said Bernier.
The show will demonstrate the transformation of Burlesque from its original form to today’s neo-burlesque art form. This new feminist art generally involves a larger range of performance styles- anything from drag performances to modern dance to strip teases. Neo-burlesque also gives all genders the chance to express all sorts of sexualities, as well as other experiences. Due to sexual content, this show will be 18+ only.
Bernier and others state how important they think this art form is, especially because we don’t see much of it in this area.
“Burlesque is a traditional, well-respected dance style that is underrepresented in Portland. I think it is important that we as USM students add to the eclectic liveliness of Portland,” said Bernier. “The aim was to bring this style back and to bring to question women’s roles in history, things like that.”
Some of the featured acts of the show include The Dirty Dishes Burlesque Review, Atomic Trash! Bunny Wonderland, Whistlebait Burlesque, The Kings of the Hill, The Dynamic Dictaphones, and Honey and Suckle Duvet.
Bernier said that along with adding to the cultural scene of Portland the show will help with publicity for the USM groups putting it on.
“I expect to see some great performances that will help promote diversity and encourage Portland community members as well as the USM community to participate and support the Women and Gender studies program at USM,” said Bernier.
A show like this takes the planning, organization and time of many people, such as Tori Randall, who is the main organizer of the show; Gabe Demaine, who has been a driving force for the publicity of the show, and also a mentor to the GSSO; and many others.
For Bernier and others the show is very important personally to them. Bernier said that the show is also related to what she has been studying at USM.
“I am very excited for the show,” said Bernier. “It is also very important to me as a Women and Gender Studies major to put what I learn about gender and sexualities in the classroom into practice in the community.”
Performances are at 7 and 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, at One Longfellow Square, Portland. The suggested donation for this benefit for USM’s Women’s Resource Center and Gender Studies Student Organization is $8 public, $5 students. To buy tickets, contact Longfellow Square at 761-1757, or www.onelongfellowsquare.com.