Going Digital

"7/ Soon everything in this world will be swallowed by the net: from the military systems to the PC at home. 8/ But the net is a house of anarchy. 9/ It cannot be controlled and in this is its power." - Christian As. Kirtchev, A Cyberpunk Manifesto

It needs not be said that the pandemic was bad news for performers.  However, as I personally found some things enjoyable about lockdown (mostly in terms of much-needed rest and self-reflection), the creative world was pushed to find new ways to connect with audiences.  Thus, virtual burlesque was born.

Only in virtual shows do you get pet cameos.

Initially I had a pretty simple set-up: film a routine in one take in a corner of my apartment.  However, as I saw more performers experiment with the form to essentially create mini-movies, I pushed myself to make the most of my limited space and editing capabilities.  It helped that I got a new laptop in the middle of pandemic that could better handle video editing and streaming shows.  Although my edits remain minimal, I did take advantage of being able to incorporate things that aren’t always allowed in live shows, like food and fake blood (I still had to clean it up so I prefer to not get as messy).  I even buzzed my hair and made pancakes for two different videos.  Burlesque was starting to get stale for me so these new outlets made me excited.

I was stoked to connect with performers all over the world as well.  Nerdlesque can be too niche for certain audiences, but with worldwide access, shows could be as specific as possible, whether it’s a drag show dedicated to American Idiot on Broadway or a burlesque show inspired by all the best parts of Tumblr.  Taste the Tease gave me the opportunity to produce a showcase specifically dedicated to the AAPI performer community in Texas (which I had wanted to do a live version of, but the logistics were way more difficult and the opportunities not present).

Moreover, I found connectivity after feeling somewhat alienated from the Dallas scene, which was going through changes that I sometimes found difficult to navigate.  I’m eternally grateful that Esmerelda May (and Attica Wilde, who has stepped back) embraced me as an integral part of K-Pop That Pastie to where I made a virtual appearance in their live show and an honorary addition to Cosplay Burlesque.  I’ve always found joy in traveling for shows, and now I have even more places to visit when I can travel more.

K-Pop That Pastie also helped me
accomplish my long-time dream of
doing Shinhwa's "Wild Eyes" routine.

I also got to perform for one of the first nerdlesque groups I came across when I was researching the topic for my All-con panel: Nerd Girl Burlesque.  It was my first international gig too, as they are based in Canada.  More recently, I joined the legendary Peepshow Menagerie, which has dedicated itself to continue virtual offerings.

Streams also allow for cast
Q&As.  I cosplayed Annabelle
from L.A. By Night for the
Peepshow Menagerie one.

That brings me to my argument that virtual burlesque should continue even though most productions have resumed in-person events and lots of people have Zoom fatigue.  Just because things are open doesn’t mean the pandemic is over, and the unfortunate truth is that not all live shows are accessible for disabled performers and audience members alike.  I don’t want opportunities to be lost, not just for myself, but for others who don’t always feel like they fit in their local scene or who maybe live somewhere that doesn’t have much of a scene.  Furthermore, I’ve seen some brilliant video editing from performers, and I’d love for that style of burlesque and drag to continue to be developed.  People are making mini movies!  If we can afford to pay for multiple streaming services, we should continue to shell out for a virtual production every now and then.  Plus you don’t have to wear pants when you watch (although please don’t show us unless consent is given).