The Cultural Influences of NOIr and Easter Eggs You May Have Missed
If you’ve seen it yourself, then you know that NOIR isn’t quite like many of our other shows. A theatrical revue meant to visually stimulate and stupefy, this production is truly a showcase of breathtaking choreography, mesmerizing lighting design, and mind-altering music. But, even if you’ve already experienced NOIR, did you catch all the cinematic, literature, and fashion influences behind its dark, delicious visage?
Join us as we unravel the threads of inspiration that make this show a truly unforgettable journey into the purple-hued psychedelic.
Film Noir
The shadows, the cigarette smoke, the Transatlantic accent–it’s really no secret that NOIR is heavily influenced by the film noir genre of movie-making in the 1940s and 1950s. Our stage transforms into a dark and strange spectacle, embodying mystery in and of itself. Will you ever forgive us for creating more questions than answers?
Femme Fatale
Speaking of film noir, what would a melodrama be without a femme fatale? Dreamlike and erotic, a nameless, curvaceous woman lures our protagonist into the insatiable shadows of NOIR. This mystic, magnetic archetype will always be one step ahead with her lethal scent just missed around every corner. Who could she be…
Classic Can-Can Skirt
Stunning costumes are a Can Can guarantee, but NOIR features some threads that have quite a bit of historic significance behind their flair. Straight from the 1890s, this iconic Can-Can skirt is perfect for high kicks and even higher levels of teasing. Lined with layer after layer of ruffles, these skirts are truly the symbol of the dance eponymous with yours, truly.
Feather Fans
And the iconic burlesque fashion doesn’t stop there! We all know that Can Can loves a feathered accessory, but there’s a story unfolded with our dancers’ flirtatious fans. Fan dancing in burlesque was originally done by Sally Rand, a pioneer woman in the genre who had a history-making performance at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair (Fun fact: Miss Rand was once arrested four times for “obscenity” in a single day–yet she persisted. We love that for her!)
Choreography inspired by Chicago, Cabaret’s Bob Fosse
He had it comin’! Musical fans may have noticed that NOIR’s opening number is inspired but none other than Bob Fosse, the genius behind Chicago, Pippin, and so much more. We’re talking the iconic Fosse Amoeba: turned-in knees, sideways shuffling, rolled shoulders, and, of course, jazz hands. Cue the finger snaps!
Going down the rabbit hole…
Just like Alice, you’ve tumbled your way into a world where up is down and left is right. Whimsical and hallucinogenic, NOIR transports us into an ever-twisting kaleidoscope of dreams, nightmares, and rabbits whom we can’t help but chase. Curiouser and curiouser!
Optical Illusions
Don’t look for too long, or you may start seeing stars. Whether through light, projections, or hypnotizing choreography, NOIR is one, big optical illusion. Meant to trick and delight, these visual paradoxes turn our theatre into another dimension. Don’t believe us? See it for yourself…
NOIR is showing from now until May 26th.