Hybrid: “Burlesque Series” by Mia Culpa
Artist’s Statement
The pictures where I'm wearing the Snorlax hat are from a number that I've weirdly become kind of known for. It's a burlesque act set to "You Can Leave Your Hat On" by Tom Jones, where I'm following all the instructions the singer is giving. I had heard that song before I started performing burlesque. When I heard it again recently, I never realized how absurd the lyrics are. He's telling this lady to go stand on a chair, turn the lights on and wave her arms around, amongst other things. I thought it would be a perfect song to make a ridiculous act to, and I think it encapsulates my absurd sense of humor pretty well. I've had random strangers come up and tell me how much they love "the hat number" which is always such a treat. I'm really pleased that people love it so much and that it sticks out in people's minds.
The black and white photos of me with my accordion are from my first ever Lucky 13 competition, which is an amateur burlesque event in Boston. I signed up back in the winter, and wanted to do something big. Even though it's an amateur competition, people always bring their A game, so I felt like I needed to step it up. Everybody always gets so excited when you bring out an accordion, so I love when I'm able to do that while also doing burlesque. I joke about calling it my "cheat code,” like I can do an otherwise normal act, but if I pull out an accordion, suddenly it's impressive. Of course, I always try to make my acts memorable–usually by doing something ridiculous–so I did an act to "Tired" from Blazing Saddles. It felt really amazing to be up on such a big stage, alongside so many other incredible performers. I recently won my third and final round, and got to go back again last weekend to do a victory lap! It's such an incredible show run by Dixie Douya and Hazel Hellcat. They are really amazing mentors, and the nicest, most supportive people to work with.
The Mothman pics are from when I was.. well, Mothman! I first tried this act out at a Freakshow in Connecticut (another act featuring my accordion, Squeezus). Like most queer nerds, I have always had a fondness for cryptids, so of course Mothman is right up at the top of the list. I loved this idea of Mothman being terrifying, but also kind of lonely and looking for love. It was also a fun excuse for me to make a really silly mix of songs, which is something I love adding to my acts. I find that the right mix can go a long way.
There are a couple other pics in there from a couple of my other acts, but honestly I pride myself most on constantly thinking up new ideas. I have an ever-growing playlist with songs I think would be funny for an act, or even the occasional "serious" number, which I like to throw in sometimes. Doing burlesque has brought me a lot of confidence, and taught me how to appreciate my body, but it's also taught me the importance of putting on a good show, and what it means to be always growing as a performer. I love being able to think up new acts, and bring them to an audience-- my favorite is when I can get people to scream and laugh at the same time. It's been a really exciting journey, and I hope I never stop learning.
About Mia Culpa
Mia Culpa is a Boston-based burlesque and drag performer, and accordion player (sometimes all at the same time), and she hopes you like weird, campy nonsense, because it's all she's got. That and her sweet style. When she's not prancing around on stage and taking her clothes off for dollars, she can be found on other stages across the Boston area with her spooky rock band, Your Friends In Hell (@yourfriendsinhell on instagram). She loves using performance art to tell a story, and lives to make her audiences laugh, gasp, and cheer. One thing is for sure though; whether she's playing it sexy or silly or both, Mia is sure to leave you hot and bothered, and screaming for more. You can find her on instagram @onlymiaculpa!
