Ensnare Burlesque | Wynnum Fringe 21
In an artform as reliant on audiences as burlesque, there is only so much practice you can do at home, bumping into the dining room table as you perform to your dog. To become one of Brisbane’s best burlesque performers you need to perform to people, so my hat goes off to producer Ophelia Novak for giving performers a chance to do their thang to a room full of eager audience members. Emerging or established, Ensnare Burlesque welcomed them all.
My hat also goes off to the first performer Sin Salute, who instantly got the crowd on her side, despite it being unideal circumstances for a burlesque show (a Sunday afternoon in a brightly-lit dance studio). One of my favourite moments was watching her have total ownership over her body while indulging in unbridled sensuality was a true highlight.
I also loved seeing Tugboat Tiffy and Cora Confetti turn the convention of starting dressed and ending in nothing but your panties and pasties on its head. I don’t want to give away their acts, but trust me, they got inventive. And of course, Ensnare Burlesque’s headliner, Trigger Happy, sporting excellent costumes, impeccable characterisations and perfectly timed movement to music. Without a doubt, ‘Trigger Happy’ earnt their headline status.
On the Wynnum Fringe Podcast series, Ophelia explained ‘inclusivity’ being a big driver for her project Ensnare, and this was definitely achieved. Showcasing a deliciously diverse set of bodies, skills, and genres, it was clear that at Ensnare, everyone is welcome and celebrated. Audiences matched this sentiment – engaging and cheering for all the acts - confirming that inclusivity extended beyond the makeup of the bill into the atmosphere of the show. A fun and raunchy afternoon at Wynnum Fringe.
