E N T E R T A I N M E N T will be one of the last industries to reopen, at least in New York City. Not because music, theater, and dance are not essential; it has to do with congregation and proximity. Same with strip clubs. Brothels we don’t need to worry because the only state where prostitution is legal is Nevada. And they are currently closed.
I still keep an original handout of a 1978 BURLESQUE extravaganza in Argentina, at the peak of the military persecutions and disappearances. Not everything got censured by the Junta. Burlesque performers still populated the underground of Calle Corrientes, the main entertainment promenade, while above ground, students and activists were stripped of their liberties, their dignities, and their families.
Recently, after a long work day and having a cocktail, I asked John to google both Lady Karen and Silvana La Fox. What may have happened to them after 42 years? Unfortunately, no results came up. He tried unsuccessfully to add key words to the search: “bomba desnuda (naked bomb),” “vedette (showgirl),” “maravilla (wonder)”. N A D A. My heart sunk thinking that these artists who strip, dance, lick poles, and more importantly, make customers happy even if it is for one night, one moment of illicit bliss away from their excruciating work routines or away from their wives, are forgotten in some dark circle of Internet’s no woman’s land.
— West Village, 6/16/2020