The First Stripteaser (and Before)
The investigation returns! Presented live online by The New York Adventure Club
Excited to be present my First Stripteaser investigation with the New York Adventure Club next Monday!
This will be a slightly updated edition, complete with all the changes I made while turning the talk into The First Stripteaser Monograph. From The New York Adventure Club website:
Who brought striptease to the stage? It’s one of the greatest mysteries in burlesque history — the search for the performer whose daring act of undressing forever altered an art form and sparked decades of controversy. From sensational headlines to forgotten stars of the Gilded and Jazz Ages, it’s time to follow the trail of clues and investigate a case that remains unsolved to this day.
Join New York Adventure Club as we investigate the origins of striptease through the world of American burlesque from the late 1800s to early 1900s, uncovering the performers, theaters, and controversies at the center of one of entertainment history’s most enduring mysteries.
Led by Jonny Porkpie — burlesque historian, author, performer, and producer — this illustrated investigation will include:
A ride through pre-World War II burlesque history, exploring the performers, productions, and cultural landscape surrounding the emergence of striptease
A visit to historic burlesque and variety theaters, featuring the venues and performances that defined a bygone era of live entertainment
An introduction to a dozen groundbreaking performers, all of whom have been accused of being the first artist to bring striptease to the stage
A look at contemporary reactions, from scandalized critics and newspaper headlines to audiences fascinated by these increasingly daring performances
An investigation into the evidence, examining careers, reviews, photographs, and archival records to determine whether the accusations hold up to the historical record
Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A session with Jonny — any and all questions are welcomed and encouraged!
The talk takes us back to the late 1800s, but for a peek even further back in Striptease history, look no further than Jo Weldon’s account of a woman who did a protest strip at her own execution:
“After having the noose fitted around her neck, she punched the executioner in the chest, ripped off her clothes and threw them to the observing crowd, then jumped off the edge of the platform, executing herself.”