Photo by Kristen Marie Photo: My “Spoken Word Burlesque” performance at the Glitterotica show
In this New Year’s time of looking forward and reflecting back, I came across the following piece which I wrote in 2010 for a burlesque show produced by the Bitches of Destiny entitled “Show”. It was an event at the Coolidge Corner Theater to promote Henry Hornstein’s newly published book by that title. I’ve performed the piece a few times since, and every time I look at it I am reminded how clearly these words ring true for me.
These days, in real life, I am struggling with desire, with the meaning making one needs to resolve between big picture understanding and the detail work of experiences, and I am wrestling with these questions in my heart. In times of struggle I find comfort by reminding myself what I have always believed. I hope you enjoy my internalized questioning as much as I inherently need to do so.
To Breath and Being,
~ Karin
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TO SURVIVE THE LAWS THAT KEEP US SILENT AND IN PLACE: A BURLESQUE
By UnAmerika’s Sweetheart Karin Webb
She sits looking out at the audience from a chair center stage…
She takes a moment to adjust her skirt. Runs a hand up her stockings… plays with the audience’s expectations.
She poses.
She picks up the mic and says hello to a person or 2 in the audience… She flirts a little.
She picks a volunteer from the audience and brings them onto the stage.
Her new companion receives a laundry basket…
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“I could be anyone.
What turns you on? (she touches herself)
My glasses? My skin? My hair? My breasts? My mind? My mouth? My questions? My movement? (stands) My shoes? My hips? My down below? (she moves into the audience and begins removing clothing, motioning for her volunteer to follow)
Would you fuck me because of the dress I wear?
The tie I wind around my neck? The cut of my shirt? The cigar I smoke? The way I sit?
Do you assume I want your touch and attention because I am listening to you?
If I flirt do I owe you something?
At what point in our relationship do you own me? (motions for audience member to help get undressed)
Halfway through dinner? After kiss? After sex? After drink? After smile? Half way in? After marriage? After I show mine? After touch? After consent? After payment?
If I say stop will you respect that?
No matter. How. Far. In. We. Are?
Will you ask me for what you want?
In life? In bed? In another partner? In relationship? In me?
Do you act needy? Do you assume? Do you use others against me? Do you negotiate respectfully or do you manipulate? What if one day I want him or her or them? (she directly references people in the audience)
Am I a bitch/cunt/whore for being separate from you? For being me – fully and honestly? For having a voice outside of your comfort or fantasy? (she moves back toward the stage)
After that fight how do you keep me? Through co-dependence? Through negotiation? Manipulation? Therapy? Through “I love you” or money? Through family? Abuse? Depression, dependence, lies? Communication? Depravity? Begging? Time? Through physical power? Through sex? Blackmail? Through space? (she is back on stage)
1. 2. 3.
Are you ready?”
(She finishes stripping, turns, and exits)
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~Thank you.
Be an ABCs contributor: Have a story or perspective to share about kink or want to share your Kinky New Years Resolutions? Email Karin directly at: Karin@ABCsOfKink.com or fill out the as-anonymous-as-you-want-it-to-be feedback form below and you could see your writing published as a part of Wednesday’s “Perspectives on Kink: Conversations with the Community” blog on this site. Don’t know what to write about? Consider answering some of the Survey Questions I posted recently. Happy writing, and thanks!