Burlesque Variety Night
Jazida Productions
The Abbey
2 February
Reviewed by Samara Purnell
Hair was
set in perfect waves, the corseted bosoms were heaving and the lashes were
dialled up to 100. And that was just the audience.
“Decadence
and Debauchery” staged by local Canberra burlesque performer Jazida, was a
super-relaxed and interactive affair, where the audience was encouraged to
participate vocally and appreciatively in any way other than photography, as the
pretty, dimple-cheeked hostess Charlie Chapstick gently but firmly reminded us.
The
costumes throughout the production were spectacular, in particular Alyssa
Kitt’s Icarus (fallen woman), which she performed in rose gold skirts,
sculptural pieces and a stunning, beautiful headpiece. The routine was arguably
the most sexually raw of the evening and her appearance and routine were
captivating. Kitt returned later in the show, billed as one who “eats the
hearts of Hillbillies” and performed an energetic, entertaining routine to
George Thorogood’s “Bad to the Bone”.
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| Alyssa Kitt as Icarus. Image supplied by CaptaVitae. |
Curvy
performer Ginger Foxx performed in a striking black and gold dress, beautiful
sheer black and gold skirt, and a dramatic headpiece that cleverly doubled as
her fans. Her earlier dance in soft grey outfit with huge, grey, feather fans was
inspired by the Hollywood Golden Era. Milky skin, red wavy hair and 50’s makeup
completed her look beautifully.
Jazida,
with her exotic looks and pint-sized, albeit womanly physique, remained alluring
as she threw herself into the splits and threw off her attire. Her soundtrack had
been composed especially for her routine. She also performed with the fan
dancers, presumably students of Jazida. Although these numbers didn’t fit the billing
of professional performers, it broke up the individual acts with an ensemble
piece and gave these dancers some exposure (so to speak) in an encouraging and
laid-back atmosphere, allowing them to perform with confidence and expression.
There is
a long list of accolades accumulated between the individual performers,
including for Maple Rose who impressively stitched her own intricate costume,
surely inspired by Mae West. And for the trailblazing burlesque dancer
Elizabeth Burton, who, in her 70s, still put on a precise, fun
routine, retaining the qualities of flirtation, poise and faux demureness she surely
possessed many years ago. Burton passed on her knowledge and experience in a
series of workshops held over the weekend.
In case
anyone thought the evening was going to be a confronting or serious affair, their
concerns were allayed with the entrance of T(ease)-Rex, entailing a blow-up dinosaur
costume, complete with fans in its little T-Rex arms. It shouldn’t have been as
amusing as it was, but the audience was in stitches.
When
drop sheets were laid down, the mind boggled as to what might be coming next,
before a couple launched into a routine inspired by the infamous pottery wheel
scene from Ghost. A g-string clad male trying to get out of skinny jeans is
always going to be amusing, but “ghosting” someone has never been “cheekier”.
There was
no program provided and the clarity of the sound system was rather poor. The
stage itself at The Abbey is lovely but the lighting was haphazard on cues and
the balance between house and stage lights was tricky. Unfortunately, the
wait on drinks (in a room without very effective fans) was exponentially lengthy.
Some
chatting by the hostess allowed her stagehand to gather the items of discarded
clothing strewn around the stage (and a fellow reviewer’s lap) in between numbers,
but the wrap-up and conclusion of the show needed to be tighter.
From
dancing dinosaurs to feathered fannies, a rocking soundtrack to clay-flinging
routines with no scope for second takes, this was a fun and accessible night of
entertainment.
