Rebel Grrrl Burlesque: A Benefit for SafePlace Austin
by Folie à Femme Productions

Mar. 04, 2017

Honoring the Legacy of the Riot Grrrl Movement through Modern Burlesque

 

Folie à Femme Productions is pleased to announce their first show of 2017, “Rebel Grrrl Burlesque: A Benefit for SafePlace Austin,” on March 4, 2017 at The North Door (502 Brushy Street, Austin). More than a dozen performers from Austin and beyond will share their experiences with feminism, toxic masculinity, and what it means to fight like a grrrl through fun, sexy and hard-hitting acts set to music by riot grrrl favorites as well as other rebellious ladies and iconic 90s hits, a fantastic way to kick off Women’s History Month and raise money for SafePlace Austin. 

 

Between acts, attendees can register to vote, learn about SafePlace and other important organizations, purchase zines from a variety of local producers, and check out the reading room hosted by the Crustacean Zine Library, whose collection spans more than 30 years.

 

Inspired by the role and popularity of zines (self-published, small-circulation, often nonprofit books, papers, and websites) in the riot grrrl movement, Folie à Femme Productions is printing their own zine as a complementary show souvenir. The zine will include the stories behind the acts, each in the performers’ own words, handwriting and images. Belladonna Darling, founder and producer of Folie à Femme Productions, explains, “Creating this show has been inspiring, humbling and healing. I’m so grateful for the performers, many of whom created brand new acts specifically for this show, acts rooted in their very human struggles with domestic abuse, body image, and gender identity. It isn’t always easy to talk about, but that’s what makes this space so important.”

Enjoy burlesque and pole acts set to the sounds of riot grrrl and female musicians from the 70s, 80s and 90s including performances by:
 

Ruby Lamb
  Chola Magnolia
  Lady Lola LeStrange
  Sherry Bomb
  Kitty Von Quim
  Shirley Blazen (Chicago)
  Zenyth Gale
  Helena Isis (Arlington)
  Fifi Switchblade
  Frostine Shake
  Dame Stella Pipes
  Rowdy Rory (Dallas)
  Breathless La Belle
  InVina Veritas
  Zoja Ulesoo & Shelbi Aiona

 

Twenty-five years after the Riot Grrrl Revolution was first sparked, issues of sexism, misogyny, racism, homophobia, transphobia, islamophobia and a myriad of attacks on reproductive justice persist. The “formal” riot grrrl movement was short-lived, but the cultural impact continues to fuel women and inspire girls today. Darling explains “Riot grrrl is empowering. It’s all about being unapologetic in a world where women are constantly criticized for their appearance, ignored or talked over, and taught to literally take up less physical space. Burlesque has strong feminist foundations, and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to benefit the community while sharing something I love dearly.”

 

Critics of the riot grrrl movement complain of the lack of diversity in the movement. However, Rebel Grrrl Burlesque includes performers of many body types, genders and ethnicities. In fact, Folie à Femme Productions was founded to celebrate diversity and create a safer space for marginalized performers while benefitting the community at large.

 

About Folie à Femme Productions

It is the mission of Folie à Femme to push the boundaries of burlesque and performing arts spaces; to celebrate diversity and create a safer space for marginalized performers; to directly benefit the community beyond our own; and to produce quality entertainment. To learn more visit Facebook.com/FolieAFemme, or call Belladonna Darling at 815.295.1423.

 

About SafePlace Austin

SafePlace is a local 501(c)3 dedicated to fighting domestic violence and sexual abuse in our community. One in three Texas adults has experienced sexual or domestic violence in their lifetime, and Austin is unfortunately no exception; all SafePlace’s programs for survivors of violence have waiting lists. To learn more, visit SafeAustin.org/SafePlace.

 

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Rebel Grrrl Burlesque: A Benefit for SafePlace Austin
by Folie à Femmes ensemble
Folie à Femme Productions

Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are 410 general admission, $15 reserved seating plus service fee, available for purchase online via

A limited number of private, stage-side VIP tables for 2 are also available online for $80. All presale ticket holders will receive a complimentary raffle ticket. At the door, remaining tickets may be purchased for $15 GA or $20 seated. Doors open at 8PM and is for audiences 18+.

 

In addition to direct donations, attendees can purchase raffle tickets to raise money for SafePlace and get the chance to win their choice of over 30 great prizes. All pre-sale tickets will receive a complimentary raffle ticket and additional tickets can be purchased at $3 each, 2 for $5 or 5 for $10. Prizes include donations by Harebrained Period Panties ($100 gift card), Benjamin Beau Salon (2 $250 gift cards), New Movement Theater Improv Class ($225 value), ABGB Growler with 3 refills ($60 value), Amy's Ice Cream Basket ($50 value) and MORE.