Burlesque girls were alchemists. They were steel-tough performers who were willing to use kitchens as dressing rooms, haul their costume bags through the snow, and go into debt over fake diamonds, all for the five minutes onstage when they were goddesses.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the dedication and resilience of burlesque performers who endure hardships for a fleeting moment of glory on stage.
Molly Crabapple's quote emphasizes the transformative power and commitment of burlesque performers, who, despite facing significant challenges such as difficult working conditions and financial struggles, embrace their craft with fierce determination. The metaphor of alchemy illustrates their ability to turn hardship into momentary beauty and empowerment, emphasizing the contrast between their everyday struggles and the ephemeral exhilaration of performing.
In practice
In a speech about the resilience of artists in tough times.
Producing a series is like being Lewis and Clark: You know where you're going, you just don't know how you're going to get there. When people say, 'You should create a bible for your show,' I say, 'You don't want a bible. It'll prevent you from making discoveries along the way.' And that's what happened on 'The X-Files.'
I find campfire stories and urban legends are kind of the bread and butter that inspires a lot of people who are making horror and thriller. There is a nugget of truth behind these sort of cautionary tales.
Talent borrows, genius steals!
Music sets up certain vibration which unquestionably results in a physical reaction. Eventually the proper vibration for every person will be found and utilized.
I write from real life. I am an unrepentant eavesdropper and a collector of stories. I record bits of overheard dialogue.
As an artist, I used to think that my responsibility was to do good work. But I had to learn from the '70s on that being a public figure presents another aspect of responsibility.
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