Rhody Q • Burlesque Productions and Education in Providence, Rhode Island

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Reclaiming Our Burlesque History: Burlesque in RI & MA Exhibit

Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in “Reclaiming Our Burlesque History: Burlesque in RI & MA”, in February 2024 and sold out Rhody Q’s first show!

Reclaiming our Burlesque History was a temporary installment at The Inspiria Collective. The goal of the project was to tell the story of burlesque through the eyes of performers- from their inspiration to their stage experiences. Each piece displayed in the exhibit was donated directly by the burlesque, variety show, and drag community to create authentic displays that are connected to those who used them.

Tell us YOUR story!

We are always gathering stories about Greater Boston Burlesque and Rhode Island Burlesque. Please contact us with any inquires about local burlesque scene history or current perforamnces.

Rhody Q is on a mission to return burlesque to those who live and perform it to give credit where credit is due. As a community and industry composed of mostly women and Queer people, we are no strangers to the strife of getting credit for our work and being recognized for it while The Man traditionally runs the show. That story is played out, and there is space for everyone to own their art.

Reclaiming Stories

New England is well renowned for its colonial history: Pilgrims landing on Plymouth Rock, The Boston Tea Party, Roger William’s "What Cheer?” encounter, all things that jump to mind when we talk about the history of Boston and Providence. And also clinging tightly to Puritan roots with Boston banning burlesque performance along with a its mass book censorship through the 20th century.

We all know bans have never stopped anyone. But, it does make it harder to learn and talk about. With everything of the past being under-the-table we’re doing our part to dig up the dirty little secrets, as well as record what’s going on now so we don’t lose our current stories too.

Rhody Q’s exhibit Reclaiming Our Burlesque History: Burlesque in RI & MA showcased the past and present of the Providence and Boston Burlesque Scene. That exhibit may be over, but if you have burlesque stories we still want to hear them and encourage you to write to us to be included in future shows.