NERDLESQUE
An absurd, comically exaggerated parody of pop culture symbols performed through the dramatic art of striptease.
Nerdlesque builds upon the feminist theatre structure of burlesque through the physical embodiment of fannish production found in fanfiction and cosplay. In doing so, nerdlesque creates an immersive, layered spatio-temporal connection between the audience and performer through the shared medium of pop culture.
ELEMENTS
B
Burlesque
As a burlesque style, nerdlesque builds upon the philosophy of lampooning sex, gender, and preconceived notions of similar socially constructed roles; only nerdlesque does it through the lens of pre-established characters from pop culture. This allows the performer (and audience) to explore not only their own personal relationship to sex and gender but that of the character they embody.
C
Cosplay
In pop culture and media, costumes have folded themselves into the lexicon of fan communication. It is up to the cosplayer and the nerdlesque dancer to strategically choose the costume elements that communicate the character with no dialogue. Not to mention figuring out just what kind of panties Wolverine would wear and still be in character!
F
Fanfiction
Fanfiction relies on the readers' previously established knowledge of the characters. It skips the exposition and jumps right into character exploration, expansion, and sexploration. In many ways, fanfiction acts as a play where the character voices and choices are more important than the plot. Nerdlesque acts are generally five minutes or less and rely heavily on the idea of a pre-existing plot to compel their character to strip.
I
Interactive Theatre
Beyond hooting and hollering, nerdlesque encourages the audience to bring their own fandom experiences to the show. From the spectator with only a passing knowledge of pop culture to the hardcore nerds in the audience, nerdlesque creates a unique performer-audience exchange centered around that shared love. That comic book from your childhood? Well, it's sexy now. You're welcome.
WHAT IS A KINK MEME?
A "kink meme" refers to an anonymous story prompt, usually sexual in nature, that inspires fan-created content like fanfiction and fan art. The prompt is fulfilled when artists respond, post and share with members of their fan community.
NERDLESQUE AS KINK MEME
Prompt: Why is this character stripping?
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