Particularly if it’s sporting sequins! The Dazzle Troupe is back with another instalment of Burlesque, and Jo Caruana finds herself glamoured by this year’s Middle Ages-themed edition.

Alex Vella Gregory in Burlesque Vaudeville. Photo: Stephen Buhagiar

Life doesn’t have to be taken that seriously, does it? Thankfully not. And that’s exactly the ethos behind the Dazzle Troupe’s popular Burlesque show, which returns later this month with a new instalment of raunchy song, dance, magic and general tomfoolery.

The Dazzle Troupe, which forms part of the Creative Island repertoire, has now been around since 2008 and has performed 10 Burlesque shows at different locations across the island.

Nicole Cuschieri, chairperson of Creative Island and the director and producer of the Dazzle Trouple shows, says that the original idea for Burlesque stemmed from an experiment in which she and some friends wanted to put together a “fun, mad, dark and daring show that didn’t take itself too seriously”.

This show is inventive... it pushes the boundaries of what is, and is not, acceptable within local cultural expression

Nevertheless, they were determined to keep the work high-quality, while focusing on musical and theatrical parody.

“Ultimately, our aim was, and still is, to create a tangible platform for various artists to present work that is original and innovative,” she says.

The Dazzle Troupe team started out with 10 members and has grown to 22. “Our first show ever was called The Audition,” continues Cuschieri. “It was set up as if an audition was being held, with contenders coming along to try their luck at joining the troupe. Some turned up late, some were drunk and some were just a bit queer. The show was hilarious, and is still very dear to my heart.”

That first show was a hit with the public and feedback since has been exceptional, so much so that the shows generally sell out within a few days of their launch.

The themes are always innovative, and have included everything from the history of Malta and World War II, to time travel and what Cuschieri describes as a “freak show cruise”.

One of the dancers in Burlesque Blitz.

This time around, Burlesque will be present an Inquisition scenario set in the era between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, “with a touch of 1970s glamour added in too,” Cuschieri says with a smile

The show will be in the style of an auto-da-fé (or ‘human matchstick’). In it, an inquisitor, whose character is heavily-based on the singer Prince (in both flamboyance and diva attitude), judges a group of heretics who are about to be tortured and abused.

“You can expect to meet characters like a sexy torturer, a cross-dressing knight, three cloistered nuns and a suckling pig (but not the kind you actually eat),” Cuschieri continues. “And, as the audience, you can just sit back and enjoy the show over dinner and drinks.”

Cuschieri explains that the Middle Ages are an era she has wanted to delve into for a long time, both because they are wonderfully rich and quite gruesome.

“The history of the day includes a changing political system, the clergy, devastating sickness and bizarre medical practices, and, of course, the Inquisition,” she says. “I am a great fan of Monty Python and Black Adder because they appeal of my black sense of humour, so this suits me perfectly. My inspiration seems to stem from the most tragic and barbaric events in history. Plus, there’s no denying that the Middle Ages are such a fascinating and colourful period of history in terms of art, science, myth, sport and gruesomeness.”

This time around the show will be held at the Nigret Nightclub in Rabat. The troupe always adapt the shows to the venue in question, which Cuschieri says helps to create a more immersive and fun experience for the audience.

“It’s also a reminder of just how many potential spaces are underused in Malta, and we hope that we’re giving audiences a different experience as a result,” she adds.

Of course, this is just one of the many aspects that really helps the Dazzle Troupe add value to the local cultural scene. Cuschieri is adamant about her belief in Burlesque and, while she does think the concept may run its course in the future, she is keen to keep it fresh for as long as possible.

“I really believe in this sort of theatre,” she says. “This show is in-ventive and it really pushes the boundaries of what is, and is not, acceptable within local cultural expression. Burlesque is extremely satirical and, in the past, has challenged topics like politics, religion, divorce, gay expression and prejudice, all within a humorous context.”

And it does seem that there is a thirst for this kind of entertainment – not just locally, but internationally too. For instance, in 2012, when Maribor in Slovenia was part of European Capital for Culture, one of the most talked-about and well-attended acts was the New Burlesque Cabaret. Marseille also followed suit in 2013 and Cuschieri says Valletta’s specific heritage is perfectly fitting for a burlesque cabaret as part of Valletta Capital of Culture in 2018.

“We have our fingers crossed that Malta will continue to embrace acts like this one, but in the meantime we’re having a great time producing the sort of work that is different, dark and ultimately hilarious,” she adds.

The cast of the Burlesque Inquisition includes Alex Vella Gregory, Joseph Zammit, Vee Stivala, Teodor Reljic, What’s Their Names Theatre, Becky D’Ugo, Miriam Calleja, Marie Claire Pellegrini, Marie Claire Camilleri, Kevin Canter, Tigerbilly Vella, Sarah Lanzon, Rambert Attard and Joe Depasquale.

Burlesque will be held on Saturday and next Sunday at 9pm at the Nigret Nightclub.

www.creativeisland.com.mt