Tuesday, 8 January 2013

Comedic Underpinnings

By Natalie Cappetta


The word burlesque means "in an upside down style" and had a slightly different function in the 19th century. The term actually referred to a range of comic plays that were given a slight seductive edge. In the past, the shows criticized and ridiculed the higher-class and their productions-such as operas and plays- through grotesque imitation and comedic banter.

With the development of the show came a focus on women's sexual appeal and tested the limits of desire. Burlesque shows today have adapted the performance to tune in to the erotic factor and some argue that it has degenerated the art and has become more of a striptease. This may be true, since sexuality has developed in many art forms, but there are shows that try to use comedy as the chief element.

The original shows came in three parts. The first consisted of crude and coarse humour performed by comics. The second was the olio-a miscellaneous collection of acts-that included acts such as magicians, gymnasts, and musical performances (instrumental or vocal). The third usually involved a critique of the current policies or news, as well as the tantalizing burlesque dancers-which we are most familiar with today-who served as the finale.

It's a fun and saucy event to attend. Many may argue that the satire and mockery, that once served as the basis of burlesque, is lost and the women's sexual displays take the forefront. It's a call of seduction, and eroticism takes the front stage. A little more is exposed, as of late, which is a common theme throughout most of the entertainment and media business.

But, more venues in London are attempting to grab that initial model of burlesque and take it back to its true beginning, instead of falling into the mould of pure sexual desire. There are shows that try to grasp the satire and highlight it as a prominent feature, thus being at par with the alluring dancers. If you do happen to find a more customary performance in certain party venues, you will not be disappointed.




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