Words by Lizzy Tan.
SINEMATIC Cabaret at Emerald Theatre is an ambitious journey through Hollywood history, expertly steered by emcee Busola who weaves a narrative thread and primes each act through audience engagement (volunteer callouts, pointed questions). We are taken time-traveling through iconic Hollywood eras. The evening boasts considerable range and spectacle, from fire swallowing to acrobatics, with lush costumes that transport the audience through layers of fantasy, fashion and history.
I was invited to review award-winning LA-based burlesque performer Jessebelle Thunder’s two acts – ‘Jackie Brown’ and ‘Zouzou’ – in SINEMATIC’s lineup. Thunder’s ‘Jackie Brown’ act opens with her sauntering onstage in a bright blue air stewardess suit, duffle bag in hand, a clear visual reference to Quentin Tarantino’s 1997 film of the same name. She demonstrates impressive stage presence and musicality, connecting with audience members in far corners of the theatre. Her movement vocabulary is sharp and dynamic, punctuated by crisp pops that hit precisely on the musical accents of Randy Crawford’s ‘Street Life.’ There’s a fearlessness to her performance: she whips her scarf high into the air with a theatrical twirl and swaggers to the very edges of the stage. The Tarantino aesthetic is more than costume deep – Thunder channels actress Pam Grier’s cool confidence and unhurried menace.
Thunder’s second act, ‘Zouzou,’ offers a contrast in aesthetic, framed nicely by the Emerald Theatre’s Art Deco-inspired interiors. Inspired by Joséphine Baker’s leading role in the 1934 film, ‘Zouzou,’ and set to Baker’s recording of ‘C’est Lui,’ Thunder emerges in a delicately beaded, silver gown and sparkling flapper headpiece with languid grace. Her attention to historical detail is evident in the music choice and in the choreographic references: spinning with a trailing boa, elegant lines and playful facial expressions. In ‘Zouzou,’ Thunder’s body becomes a continuous line of movement, showcasing her ability to inhabit vastly different performance styles within a single bill.
What unites both acts is Jessebelle Thunder’s technical command, charisma and celebration of Black women’s cinematic legacy. SINEMATIC delivers on its promise of Hollywood nostalgia and escapism, and Jessebelle Thunder’s performances anchor the evening with the kind of skill and presence that reminds audiences why burlesque, done well, remains a vital form of theatre.
‘SINEMATIC’ was performed on 30 October at Emerald Theatre in London. Image by Paul Artemis.