Back in May, it was leaked that the United States Supreme Court was working towards overturning the landmark decision of Roe v Wade which protected women's rights to abortions in America. The ripple effect of this decision was felt far beyond the borders of the States however and people across the world mobilized to show their support for reproductive rights, including here in Canada.
In the months since, even though Roe v Wade was overturned, fundraisers and rallies have been popping up to defend the National Network of Abortion Funds in the USA and the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada.
On August 18, local burlesque performers and dancers will be baring it all at the Rio Theatre to raise money for these organizations.
Justice Laid Bare: A Burlesque Fundraiser for Reproductive Rights is inspired by protest but organizers promise there will be joy and humour as well as dramatic performances.
Some of Vancouver's top burlesque performers will be in attendance such as Ariel Helvetica, who was named one of 21st Century Burlesque Magazine’s Most Influential Performers.
People can also expect a wide diversity of styles and performers such as RainbowGlitz, a Haida, Squamish, Musqueam, and Black performer and member of Virago Nation, an all-Indigenous burlesque collective.
Vancouverite Miss Kiss, who's known for her singing and shocking burlesque acts, will also be in attendance along with Amnesia Haze, a B.C.-born performer who is now based in the U.S.
The entertainers will perform acts about health care, human rights, and reclaiming their stories.
“Since the devastating loss of abortion rights in the U.S., a lot of people want to help but aren’t sure where to put their energy,” said Joyce Arthur, Executive Director of Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada in a recent news release. She says she is "thrilled that the performers will showcase their own bodily autonomy to make sure others can access abortion safely.”
Justice Laid Bare: A Burlesque Fundraiser for Reproductive Rights
When: Thursday, August 18, 2022. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m.
Where: The Rio Theatre - 1660 E Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: begin at $30 and are available HERE; 19+ only.
