[color]Alex Tigchelaar[/color] is the curator of [color]Dirty Plotz[/color], the first of two late-night cabarets during Rhubarb. Here, she schools us on the politics of pussy, explains the title of the cabaret as well as some of the treasures that are hidden in its curatorial concept.
As a cabaret theatre artist I explore the space of Revered/Reviled. I know this space very well. This is a space of divine creation but it is one that is often foisted upon a person – it’s not entered willingly. Learning to live in it with grace and resourcefulness is difficult. It can make a woman fucking crazy.
In Dirty Plötz, we are, quite literally, examining the Sacred and Profane Hole. Plötz is the maiden name of Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven, a woman who was pivotal in the New York Dada movement but is a mere footnote today. Also, “Plotte” is French-Canadian slang for “pussy”. In addition, the title of the piece is an homage to Julie Doucet and her amazing comic from the 1990s, Dirty Plotte. Doucet was, in her words, interested in “sex, violence, menstruation and male/female issues.”, and so am I. Big time.
Tricksters, witches, whores, hags and the Holy Bitch all feature prominently in Dirty Plötz. “Anasyrma” is a word you will hear in this work. The definition of this word is to lift one skirt’s to curse the viewer. There is no similar word for men – men cannot curse people with their genitals. Syrma herself is the star at the hem of the constellation Virgo’s skirt. You will meet her and she will tell you her own story. You will also meet a live embodiment of the Sheela na gig, a small sculpture found on churches in Ireland and an expression of a pre-puritanical female empowerment. And of course, The Designated Hand Wringer will be available to be outraged on behalf of your oppression.
[color]Dirty Plötz[/color] happens at Rhubarb February 21st at 10pm. For more info, click here.
