Marisa Carnesky – Showwomen

A spectacular new show from Olivier award winning performance maker Marisa Carnesky, Showwomen is a feminist rewrite: the untold herstory of British working-class entertainment from immigrant, queer, activist and occult perspectives. 1940’s body magic star Koringa, 1930’s pioneer clown Lulu Adams, 1920’s female dare-devil Marjorie Dare and 1880’s teeth hanging aerialist superstar Miss La La are the inspiration to explore lesser-known stories of extraordinary women in variety performance from a century ago. Showwomen compares them to the lived experiences of exceptional performers today. Marisa narrates alongside guest stars hairhanger/comedienne Fancy Chance, sword and spoken word artist Livia Kojo Alour and physical and fire performer Lucifire, interweaving live action, in depth interviews and archival footage to create a dreamlike landscape mixing death defying stunts, taboo breaking acts, political resistance and secret backstage rituals. The show asks why and how women perform dangerous and taboo acts and explores the legacy of forgotten and marginalised British entertainers.