New England Burlesque

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 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.

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.