Coming Attractions are devoted to soon-to-be released films or those available on Video on Demand.
General Release Date * March 3, 2017
Burlesque: Heart of the Glitter Tribe
A Preview by Paulette Reynolds
March 1, 2017
A Preview by Paulette Reynolds
March 1, 2017
Directed by Jon Manning
The art of seductive stagecraft has captivated audiences - and their performers - from our earliest creative beginnings. Director Jon Manning, in his Burlesque : Heart of the Glitter Tribe documentary, peels back the colorful costumes - with their glittering rhinestones, fans and feathers, ribbons, g-strings and tassels - to reveal more than just bare skin and pasties.
"The form was first notably set to lewd tones on the comedy stages of Athens in 400 BC by Aristophanes and later refined through the poetry of Hipponax of Ephesus in 6th Century – and no doubt through many unsung others peculiar to their own loci and eras of influence. " *
Wrapped in sequins, jewelry, lavish wigs and makeup, performers with glamorous nome de plumes like Babs Jamboree, Ivizia Dakini, Sandria Dore, Stage Door Johnnies, Violet Ohmigod, Zora Von Pavonine, and Angelique DeVil ardently follow in the fans of of such legends as Little Eygpt, Gypsy Rose Lee, Josephine Baker, Sally Rand, Zorita, Mae West and Lili St. Cyr.
The art of classical Burlesque theater incorporates humor, drama, dance, music, special effects, props and spectacular costumes, to express "an artful extravaganza" through parody and the skillful use of timing and verbiage. Once housed in such palaces as the Folies Bergère and Moulin Rouge in France, and the Gaiety Theater in England, British Burlesque star, Lydia Thompson brought the art to American shores in the 1860s.
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This lively documentary examines the passion and commitment of the Glitter Tribe Revue, who all exhibit a strong sense of personal empowerment that comes from taking risks with their art form. Through their stage personas and exotic routines they encourage audiences to explore their own sexuality and challenge societal concepts of body image, gender and power.
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Once an artistic medium for women only, troupe members Isaiah Esquire, Russell Bruner and the Stage Door Johnnies, now redefine culture norms and expectations on a stage that embraces multi-culturalism and a range of social isues.
Burlesque fans keep coming back for the sophisticated adult-themed sketches, that include nudity but goes beyond the objectified act of stripping for "carnality". The art form is after all, structured on a history of having fun with the audience while entertaining them. Celebrating the body through burlesque has now become part of our pop culture, with stars like Cher, Madonna and Lady GaGa bringing it full circle into mainstream consciousness.
The joyful cinematography of Randolph Sellers follows the dedicated troupe, as they help each other through mini emergencies, wardrobe malfunctions and first-aid moments with encouragement and support. They share their stories with us amid a blend of personal struggles and professional commitments. The Glitter Tribe's enduring love for burlesque - for an art form that was never really lost - makes this an easy film to recommend for inquiring minds everywhere.
* Reference
K. L. Allan, Ministry of Burlesque. British Burlesque – A Classical Tradition. www.kittie.me.uk February 15, 2017
K. L. Allan, Ministry of Burlesque. British Burlesque – A Classical Tradition. www.kittie.me.uk February 15, 2017
COPYRIGHT 2012/2018. Paulette Reynolds. All CineMata Movie Madness blog articles, reviews, faux interviews, commentary, and the Cine Mata character are under the sole ownership of Paulette Reynolds. All intellectual and creative rights reserved.
