We have really felt that to make this project complete we need a character related to the ship-building industry.
With this in mind Phil has chosen French shipbroker Wigdohn Edouard, living at no 14 during the 1800s. Phil has also been inspired by his family history, as his grandfather was a ship`s captain.
Gemma is giving us a step by step account of her character in the making. A fascinating insight into the life and means of a dressmaker in the mid 1800s, who by all accounts were usually pretty impoverished and may have increased their income by "less worthy means".
Gemma`s building up an impoverished, shabby-glam,`heroin-chic` character, reflected in this make-up.
On a different subject. As Art-wave, having set this in motion we`re pondering our roles. Weaving together all the different strands of the project has become our art, and Sunniside is our canvas.
Gemma`s chosen character is Mary A Jedbal, aged 28 at the time of the 1861 census, a dressmaker at no 25 Norfolk Street – though Eauzone cafe bar now stands on the site of 25. We are planning that Gemma`s character will be supported by several others in a photo-shoot on location during May, and we are also working with Kirsten and Ross, students at Sunderland University. Kirsten is interested in Margaret Turnbull, a widowed schoolmistress at 13 Norfolk Street and Ross`s chosen character is the primitive methodist minister, Sampson Turner. So the photo-shoot is set to have a Victoriana feel, all characters from the 1861 census.
In our first meeting with Gemma, we discussed generalised misconceptions about burlesque. Going beyond, for example, one ill informed viewpoint that burlesque is little more than sleazy strippers on tables, the funders have put their faith in us to deliver a project that is interesting, different, entertaining …. our challenge is to be intellectual with a sexy edge.
We have taken photos of some of the architectural features that we feel might inspire costume design. It is not hard to see how black iron railings might resonate as striped stockings.
We have been researching and compiling census information for a while, and have come up with some potentially colourful characters. For example Sampson Turner, aged 66 years, a primitive methodist minister, at 14 Norfolk Street in the 1861 census.
Whats interesting about this project is that we are all approaching it from different angles, whilst having the same goal. Sally is researching local history, particularly from the social angle. Gemma of course developing burlesque characters – linking her practice to Sunniside. Paul, interested in the architecture and reading the history of the buildings. And myself – interested in putting two things together that would not normally be associated … and see what happens. Phil (Wardle) is also on board – (he first introduced us to Gemma) and will be developing one of the characters.
Its also an interesting exercise in exploring our respective roles within a collaboration – as the project unfolds.
We`ve been fortunate enough to be funded by Sunniside Partnership to develop a project idea, and to offer Gemma a residency to work with us in Sunniside. Gemma`s residency is spread over a couple of months so there`s plenty of time for artists interaction as the project evolves. We`ve decided to take characters from local history census information and use burlesque as a tool to bring the characters to life. Similar to On Screen In Street we`ve asked some students from Sunderland University if they would like to be involved. Our plan is to develop three or four larger than life `burlesque-esque` characters and take them into Sunniside Gardens.
We are looking for a title for our project that reflects this concept and shows, perhaps, a different side to Burlesque.
