Boulder Burlesque bring politically charged show to Boulder

Boulder Burlesque, the Front Range’s provocatively conscious posse, is bringing a politically-charged show to Wesley Foundation. The one-night only production, “Holy F#&%ing Sh*t” will feature troupe members shedding their clothes and simultaneously critiquing the current administration, while engaging in shadow play and sharpening their satirical wit.

As for the title of the latest show, members went back and forth on whether to use the curse words, but ultimately decided it was necessary to capture the feelings of disbelief that engulfed them with every news headline read.

“Vulgarity carries a lot of weight, but we are using these words because we are angry,” said lead costumer and production manager Crista Reid, who goes by Mademoiselle Tangerine. “Stepping into the upfront nature of these words is what we are going to do. We will not step down.”

A percentage of ticket sales will go to support The Yellowhammer Fund, providing funding for anyone seeking care at one of Alabama’s three independent abortion clinics.

“The world is on fire right now and we have some heat to bring to the stage,” said Reid.

From paying homage to beat poet Alan Ginsberg on what would have been his 91st birthday at The Fox to sharing the stage with ‘80s-inspired rock band The Goonies at Boulder Theater, Boulder Burlesque has brought an assortment of entertainment to the Front Range.

“I was open to new experiences and looking to get involved with the arts here,” said emcee for the upcoming show and troupe member Emily Duffy, who goes by Agent Sauvage. “It’s offered me a unique opportunity to meld my storytelling self with the part of me that loves to be on stage.”

While many performance artists desire to bring their acts to bigger metropolitan cities, Boulder Burlesque is committed to keeping productions within Boulder County.

“There always seems to be this talk of bringing art to Denver, but I want to keep it local to this community,” said Reid. “What we have to offer is the most important thing.”

According to Reid and Duffy, the art form is more than just glitter, garters, fishnets and feathers. The group has always been about inclusion, encouraging people of all identities, races, sexual orientations, genders and abilities to try out.  For some, the art form provides therapeutic components that help them work through their own personal traumas under the spotlights.

“There are some sparkly, flashy striptease elements, but our focus has always been on bringing forth what we hold within us in a conscious way,” said Reid. “There’s always a personal conscious element that people are really struck by and moved by. It’s not just a saloon show.”

“Folks get galvanized and ready to take risks,” added Duffy. “Seeing performers of all body types and identities empowered in their own skin is ultimately good for the community.”

From the tantalizing to the avant-garde, each performer brings about a different element and flavor for attendees to savor.

“Emceeing for this show is a great honor because of the content and quality of performances,” said Duffy. “Each one is a little story. By helping emcee, I get to weave a larger narrative so audiences can experience this world.  It’s very immersive.”

While light refreshments will be available, no alcohol will be served. Mademoiselle Tangerine’s Brother, Michael Reid, known as “Mr. Keys,” will lend his piano skills to Friday’s show.

Boulder Burlesque encourages audience members to sit close, as some performers love to interact with the crowd. At each show, members establish five components of consent. Consent, and the language surrounding it, is also a theme often explored in comedic sketches during intermission.

Those who feel inspired to audition for Boulder Burlesque can do so at the end of September. The group is also offering a summer workshop series, which kicks off Aug. 7, called “Shimmer” where participants can learn everything from tassel twirling to the layered history of burlesque. A Conscious Burlesque workshop will run from Aug. 24 to Sept. 21, ending with a final performance on Sept. 22.

Themes of social injustice, the concept of constitutional rights being challenged and even mental health issues will be explored in Friday’s no-holds-barred show.

“At all shows, we expect audiences to laugh, think and not necessarily agree with everything we present,” said Duffy. “Our motto is, ‘Where the profane is sacred’ and that comes through in the way we take on topics and what we explore.”

“Burlesque has always been about pushing boundaries,” said Reid. “We are standing there in all of our bodily glory, but it’s about furthering a more important message in a broader scope.”

If you go

What: Boulder Burlesque Presents: Holy F#&%ing Sh*t
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Where: Wesley Foundation at CU Boulder, 1290 Folsom St., Boulder
Cost: $25-$50 (plus $5 the day of the show)
More info: eventbrite.com/e/holy-fing-sht-burlesque-show-tickets-62621412330/amp