Features / Cabaret
‘Witches have been unfairly hunted and there’s a lot of power in that imagery for queer people’
“Witchcraft and queerness have a lot in common,” Dis Charge says, “there’s a lot of ideas, imagery, and narrative that crossover.” It is a comparison that sets CoochieCrunch apart and reflects the huge avant-garde queer scene that is booming in Bristol.
CoochieCrunch presents: Belle, Book and Candle on July 13 is the brainchild, of Shaila Leilani and Princess Farhana – Los Angeles based burlesque dancers and spiritualists. This extra special event brings together experimental and queer artists for burlesque and cabaret and is set to welcome US performers including Princess Farhana, for a celebration of spirituality and witchcraft.
Dis Charge calls herself the nightmare of drag and says that witchcraft and queer people have experienced similar persecution
Explaining the origins of the night, Dis Charge says: “I describe myself as the nightmare of drag and CoochieCrunch co-founder Tuesday Laveau takes her last name from one of the greatest known voodoo priestesses, Marie Laveau. But in a broader sense, witches have been unfairly hunted and there’s a lot of power in that imagery for queer people.”
is needed now More than ever
“What makes great magic is also what makes a great performance,” Dis Charge says, “and we intend to serve an incredible night of drag, burlesque, live performance, belly dance, and #RenegadeStripping which explores witchcraft, feminism and darker imagery.”
Highlights to watch out for is a tarot card reading, an onstage ritual, and live singing. Dis Charge will be performing a rendition of ‘Burning Hell’.
“Tuesday Laveau founded CoochieCrunch and I’m so thankful to perform in this fun, fresh, political space – our audiences are there for a good time but we all appreciate supporting nights like this is a political thing to do.”
Dis Charge says there are lots of intolerant groups that regularly object to the positive spaces CoochieCrunch creates for queer people
CoochieCrunch, Dis Charge says, encounters kick back.
“There is always work to do,” the drag queen nods, “and there are right-wing groups who will object to creating performance spaces for queer identities but neo-burlesque and cabaret are eager to embrace the politics of what we do and we will continue our work to uplift and support this community.”
After a small group of trans-exclusionary lesbian feminists hijacked the Pride parade in London on Saturday, July 7, it is clear that the importance of nights like CoochieCrunch cannot be underestimated.
Bristol, Dis Charge thinks, is in a strong place to nurture these progressive voices. “Events such as the Brizzle Bois, ‘Category Is…’, DisGraceful Behaviour, Bitch! Please and ESDR as well as DTYM and the Bristol Burlesque Festival are really trying to push the boundaries and are working on creating invigorating political and fun spaces!”
Bristol24/7 recently released Talking LGBT+ Bristol – our short film that looks at LGBT heritage and community in the city. Watch this film about love, struggle and change at Bristol Pride on Saturday, July 14 on the big screen, Millennium Square at 2 pm and 5 pm. Join the conversation on social media and use the hashtag #LGBT247.
Read more: What’s on at Bristol Pride
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