January 9, 2010
Thank you to the artists who changed my life in 2009.
I first had the idea of BIG in 2009 because of these weird and wonderful performances. Although I have decided not to go backwards in time with this Blog, but rather only document what is happening at present- since these artists were the inspiration, I am grandmothering them in as winners for 2009.
NARCISSISTER for "Hot Lunch" For shear provacation, Narcissister is up there with Rose Wood...so it is fitting that I have worked with both of them the most at the infamous Box in NYC. As an Alvin Ailey trained dancer, Narcisster moves like a lithe panther you want to pounce on, but the visual imagery she conjures surreally contrasts the many stereotypes she targets.
CRISPIN GLOVER for film "Everything is Fine" Crispin Glover is the new Russ Meyer. And while this really is not burlesque-y in the slightest, I have to acknowledge game-changing inspiration when I see it. The actor-turned-director will only allow the second of his secretive trilogy to be screened by him personally, so it may be hard for most to even experience his genius. But this film changed my life. It was disturbing, hilarious, surreal, inspiring, scary and warped in the best ways possible. It is basically a wish-fulfillment fantasy of a man Cerebal Palsy having sex with and exacting revenge upon beautiful women.
MISS ASTRID for the nuptuals of Michelle L'Amour & Franky Vivid Weddings will never be the same. Astrid donned a veil over her eye patch, told the groom to fuck off, warned him that Michelle's "ass that goes POW" will one day be the "ass that goes Phft" and stole the show at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Friday night show.
TAYLOR MAC & THE CAST for "Lily's Revenge" Don't know where to start describing this one...and it's not burlesque at all but revolutionary theater- veteran burlesquers Tigger and Darlinda Just Darlinda were real standouts in this epic 5-hour theater piece.