Showwomen by Marisa Carnesky

Showwomen by Marisa Carnesky

Spectacle, Danger, Resistance, Leopard Print, Ectoplasm.

What happens when the Showgirl grows up?

A spectacular new show researched and directed by Olivier award winning Marisa Carnesky written and devised in collaboration with Veronica Thompson/ Fancy Chance, Livia Kojo Alour and Lucifire.

1940’s body magic star Koringa, 1930’s pioneer clown Lulu Adams, 1950s Western skilled performer Florence Shufflebottom and 1880’s teeth hanging aerialist superstar Miss La La are the inspiration to explore lesser-known stories of extraordinary women in variety performance from a century ago. SHOWWOMEN compares them to the lived experiences of exceptional performers today.

Marisa performs alongside cabaret and performance stars hair hanger/comedienne Fancy Chance, sword, singing and spoken word artist Livia Kojo Alour and physical and fire performer Lucifire, interweaving live action, in depth interviews and archival footage to create a dreamlike landscape mixing death defying stunts, taboo breaking acts, political resistance and secret backstage rituals.

The show asks why and how women perform dangerous and taboo acts and explores the legacy of forgotten and marginalised British entertainers.
It looks at the collective power of women working together and the timeless representations of women performers as part animal hybrids.

Expect witchy goings-on in full leopard print, naked crocodile women scaling walls, ladders of swords, live hair hanging, never-ending pom poms and ectoplasmic clowns, SHOWWOMEN channels entertainment heritage to create visions of matriarchal performance futures.