What is original in the Australian Burlesque ?

The Question has been asked, "Why the interest in Burlesque ?" and Dollo responds by posting me a Kookaburra !

Toward a theatre of adequacy.

A theatre of adequacy is made of clay. It is found in the banks of rivers and billabongs. It derives from a vernacular dreaming of the 20s, 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, taking it’s lineage from prior traditions which reach back much further than any can suppose. It is a laughing theatre, a dressed up earth. It was spoken during happyhour, between the exchange of quids and the handing over of wet glasses. It was danced in the open beside outdated bullock drays. It is a frolicking swimmer watching the fashionable bake. It is a poor bugger’s effort to even aspire to kitsch. It is native intelligence speaking to the noise of the wowser. It is a longing for belonging and a celebration of dag.

The theatre of the Australian sun is a burning issue. It is feared at the same time as it is loved. With fondness do the antipodeans regard their memories of this easier dream but also they know its question. It could be a bushfire.

This sunburnt burlesque is an uneasy cabaret. It is all smiles but an open question. It is at once real and at the same time no worry. The southlander will make do with it.

Those who have dismissed it as kitsch or trivial have missed the opportunity to embrace a popular theatre of the possible. The burlesque empowers it to stand under tin shed spotlights and speak of the commonwealth. What is common, what is our wealth? The burlesque could celebrate it and serve as a departure to currency.

Dollo.