Step into a world of mystery, mythology and seduction as Bernzerk Productions bring to life some of the most loved, exalted and desired women in history in The Living Museum of Erotic Women until 12 June 2015.
Spanning over five floors, The Living Museum of Erotic Women is a unique experiential theatre event combining performance mediums, soundscapes, cinematic and visual arts. The magnificent cast of ten performers and special guest artists will lure you into an unforgettable night featuring twenty famous women from history who challenged social norms, so they remain, to this day, unforgettable.
The Living Museum of Erotic Women will run 2 different programs throughout the season, with organisers highly recommending you see both programs, so you can experience all the incredible erotic women that the museum has to offer!
Program One:
Hosted by one of the twentieth century’s greatest screen icons, German actress and singer Marlene Dietrich, the first program features Joan of Arc, as well as a contemporary goddess of rock ‘n’ roll (think Debbie Harry, Patti Smith, Janis Joplin), and Venus of Urbino, who steps into our world from the sixteenth-century Italian masterpiece by Titian.
Without need of introduction is Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, and Lili St Cyr, the notorious striptease artist of the 1940s and 1950s who inspired Marilyn Monroe. Mata Hari, the exotic dancer executed in 1917 for spying during World War I, will use dance to seduce the audience, along with Messalina, affectionately known as the third wife of Roman Emperor Claudius.
Finally, Khutulun will make an appearance, daughter of Kaidu and niece by marriage of Kublai Khan and the great-great granddaughter of Genghis Khan. Together with Busby Berkeley Showgirls, Witches, Maypole and special guest artists, is a night of historic tales and adventure.
Program Two:
Your host of the second program is the Egyptian goddess Isis, joined by the Chinese silent film actress Ruan Lingyu, who died prematurely at the peak of her success in 1930s. Aphrodite and longest-ruling female leader of Russia, Catherine the Great, will share the museum with Salome and Marie Bonaparte, the French author and psychoanalyst, colleague of Sigmund Freud.
From the Japanese history of Kabuki, the Living Museum of Erotic Women brings to life Izumo-no-Okuni; the ecstasy of St Teresa of Avila, Christian mystic and writer; and the daring intent of Lola Montez, Spanish dancer and actress. A gaggle of English Tea Party Ladies, the Can-Can Dancers and a special guest artist will complete the program.
“Have you ever been asked the question, if you could have a dinner party with any one person dead or alive, who would you invite? Expect the unexpected … and you will be enchanted and constantly surprised.” – Lip Magazine
Creator / Director: Willow J Conway Cast: Anna Kennedy, Bella de Jac, Bicky Lee, Etoile Marley, Fleur Dean, Marissa Bennett, Rebecca Wemm, Roshelle Fong, Stephanie Osztreicher, Victoria Mantyen Guest Artists: Jacquie Thomas, Rachel Payne, Tash Collop, Zya Luna Assistant Director: Jayde Kirchert Music and Sound Design: David Shea Costume Design: Laura Pearce Set Design: Tim Burgin
The Living Museum of Erotic Women
End to End Building – rear of 48 Easey Street, Collingwood
Season continues to 12 June 2015
For more information and bookings, visit: www.livingmuseumoew.com.au for details.
Image: Cast of The Living Museum of Erotic Women – photo by Leila Morrissey