A new kind of magic is coming to Ridgewood next month in the form of ForbHIDDEN People: An Elven Burlesque.
The fantasy-inspired burlesque and variety show will make its New York City premiere at Footlight Underground at the Windjammer, 552 Grandview Ave. in Ridgewood, on Tuesday, May 13, for one night only before traveling to Iceland later in the month.
Created and performed by New York City burlesque artists Elizabeth “Bitsy” Bays, Persé Fanny, and Rosie Tulips, ForbHIDDEN People is a theatrical burlesque performance inspired by the elves of Icelandic folklore, sometimes called the “Hidden People” due to their mysterious ability to remain unseen by human eyes.
Drawing from both myth and modern media, the show explores the seductive, strange, and sometimes dark world of these mythical beings.
The performance is split into two acts. The first celebrates the natural world and the ethereal pleasures of elven life, presenting a playful and sensual interpretation of folklore through classic and neo-burlesque routines, poetry, music, and ballet.
The second act takes a darker turn, illustrating the clash between magical nature and industrial human encroachment, inspired in part by pop culture works like Princess Mononoke and FernGully.
This New York debut will also feature local burlesque community members as hosts and stage kittens, a common tradition in burlesque to assist performers and maintain the rhythm and charm of the evening.
After its Ridgewood showing, the production will continue its run in Reykjavik, Iceland, on May 30 and 31, where it will be staged at an underground cabaret space beneath the National Theatre of Iceland.
Tickets for the Ridgewood performance are available now through the Footlight Underground website.
magical realm of the elves of Icelandic folklore. Photo courtesy of Persé Fanny.
Ticket prices range from $10–$20. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the World Wildlife Fund. The venue is 21+ only.
