PLASTIK SOUP
ENTERTAINMENT
history
showgirl
the
of a
Thursday 28th September
Doors 8pm, Show 8:30pm
Misfits, upstairs at the redfern
produced by Porcelain Alice and Plastik Soup
Welcome to the history of a showgirl where Porcelain Alice and Natalya Alessi invite you to explore the rich tapestry of burlesque.
Tonight the stage becomes a portal, transporting us through the ages as we pay homage to the pioneers of this exquisite art form.
A brief history
Burlesque, an art form rooted in satire, wit, and sensual performance, has a rich and vibrant history that spans several centuries. Its origins can be traced back to the 17th century in Italy, where Commedia dell'arte troupes would incorporate humorous and exaggerated acts into their performances. Burlesque as we know it today, however, emerged in the late 19th century in Victorian England. It was a form of theatrical entertainment that parodied high society and cultural norms through bawdy humor, risqué performances, and extravagant costumes. The popularity of burlesque quickly spread to the United States, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where it became a staple of vaudeville shows and variety theaters.
act 1
the folies bergère
Located in Paris, the Folies Bergère emerged during Belle Époque in the late 19th century as a pioneering theater renowned for its extravagant and daring performances. It served as a hub for showcasing the fusion of operetta, music, dance, acrobats and comedy captivating audiences with its innovative and boundary-pushing shows. The Folies Bergère became synonymous with the spirit of burlesque, embracing a lavish and immersive approach to entertainment. It introduced the world to the allure of showgirls, elaborate costumes, and spectacular stage designs. The venue's influence on burlesque extended beyond its performances, as it served as a cultural touchstone, setting trends in fashion, inspiring artistic movements, and shaping the broader public perception of burlesque as a captivating and provocative art form. The Folies Bergère remains an enduring symbol of the artistry, glamour, and enchantment that define the history of burlesque.
the fan dance
Sally Rand (USA) is more often than not credited with popularizing feather fan dancing. Active from 1925 - 1979, she featured in musicals and soundies as well as on the burlesque circuit, but it was her infamous fan dance at the 1933 Chicago World Fair that really shook audiences.
Giant feather fans played ‘peek-a-boo’ to reveal and hide her body. Rand performed in a bodystocking which scandalous at the time, meant she appeared completely nude and as a result, was arrested multiple times in her career for indecent exposure
act 2
vegas
The image of the modern showgirl is synonymous with Las Vegas.
Though dancers had already been flanking musical headliners on the strip, the late 1950s saw them thrust into the spotlight as the top casinos fought it out with grand productions for top billing. Donn Arden and Miss Bluebell of the Paris Bluebells - Lido de Paris at the Stardust, Jack Entratter's of New York’s famous Copacabana - Copa Girls at the Sands, and Harold Minsky's of New Yorks most successful burlesque theatre - Minsky’s Follies at the Desert Inn.
With the largest budget, The Copa Girls were the premier attraction until Minsky introduced Vegas to their first topless showgirls at the Dunes, in 1957
hollywood
Burlesque, the artform, style and its stage performers featured heavily in Hollywood films made under the studio system. From the silent era on, particularly classic epics and what is coined as The Golden Age, Hollywood both influenced and featured burlesque - its dances, costumes and glamour.
Gypsy Rose Lee (USA), known as the literary stripper, often spoke to her audience while performing. Her memoir is an example of Hollywood’s interest in Burlesque. First adapted to stage as the Broadway musical Gypsy (1959), it then became the 1962 film of the same name.
The costume featured tonight, created by Nicol and Ford, pays tribute to that worn by Natalie Wood in the film whilst portraying Gypsy.
act 3
the 90's revival
Heavily influenced by the success of Dita Von Teese (active since 1990), Neo-Burlesque or New Burlesque has reignited interest in the burlesque artform. Based on the traditions of burlesque, performances encompass a wider range of performance styles and costumes can adopt modern liberties and storytelling often takes center stage. Within a context of strip clubs, much more lenient licensing laws (compared to pre 1960s America), burlesque celebrates nostalgia through a modern lens
the gimmick
Burlesque, with its roots in vaudeville and variety shows, has always embraced the use of creative and attention-grabbing gimmicks to entertain and captivate audiences. From the early days of burlesque in the 19th century to its modern-day resurgence, gimmicks have played a vital role in shaping the performances. These gimmicks range from humorous props and exaggerated costumes to musical instruments unexpected reveals and daring skills. The history of burlesque gimmicks showcases the ingenuity and creativity of performers who continuously push the boundaries of entertainment, utilizing these playful and inventive elements to add depth, intrigue, and excitement to their acts. As Gypsy Rose Lee famously said.. ‘you gatta have a gimmick’
about the performers
PORCELAIN ALICE
Porcelain Alice has stripped on stages across the globe.
Dubbed 'the sideshow supermodel’ by the UK's Rachel Atlas, Alice is known to flirt with danger, while flirting with you. Dripping in jewels she eats fire or swallows swords, always celebrating the art of tease.
In addition to performing weekly, she produces monthly variety shows including The Royal Heart Revue and Sophias Burlesque. She has been part of the creation of special events such as Undressing Hollywood (Sydney Festival 2021) Burlesque Stripped Bare (All About Women Festival 2022), The Burlesque Museum (2018 - 2020) and much more.
NATALYA ALESSI
With a slew of productions in her wake Natalya Alessi has spent her career whirling stages world wide earning her the title Australian Entertainer of the Year for MX Burlesque 2019/2020.
As a company soloist for six years she toured Australia and two back to back tours of the USA and Canada with the acclaimed show The Empire Strips Back. The same year saw her sharing the stage with international Burlesque icon Sukki Singapora in Japan as well as a guest appearance in Singapore.
Natalya has spent the last 15 plus years performing for companies such as Tokyo Disney, The Venetian Macau, Chrissie Parrott Contemporary Dance Company, The Ninth Floor Performance Company as well as various casinos and cruise ships.
A staple in the Sydney burlesque and variety scene when she’s not on the the stage Natalya is Creative Director of Plastik Soup where she produces shows such as The Bower Burlesque and The Late Night Buffet as well as variety and corporate entertainment Sydney wide.
Natalya is currently touring Australia as featured solo artist in the role of Virgo for Bass Fam’s award winning production Oracle - The Myth
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