goDDESS: the elizabeth burton story
Performing lines · May 2021
Presented by Red Line Productions at the Old Fitzroy Theatre, Woolloomooloo Sydney
SET DESIGN TOBHIYAH STONE FELLER
“To have a living legend at close proximity, especially one who seems incapable of pretension or any hint of defensiveness, is to come in contact with the divine.” Suzy Wrong
GODDESS is a cabaret tapestry of the life of the legendary Elizabeth Burton, as told and teased by the Goddess herself! Burton's life mantra is Masticate, Masturbate, Meditate, Mobility!
With this mantra Burton and her collaborators Aaron Manhattan & Betty Grumble cast her memories and dreams, grit and glamour, radical pleasure and goddess energy across the stage in lessons of self love and resilience all from the source of the Buddhist Stripper herself. 73 years young, Burton's practice has taken her around the world. A tour during the Vietnam War, resident Les Girl, company member alongside Michael Matou in The Sideshow Theatre Company and defiant Motherhood. She continues to work as a teacher, mentor, performer and hairdresser to the homeless naming herself resident 'Ol' Tart of Surry Hills.'
Join us as Elizabeth guides us with her experience, body and light, showing us how to be with ourselves and for ourselves.
Text attribution: Red Line Productions
“Providing on stage support are Betty Grumble and Aaron Manhattan, both looking like faithful disciples to the esteemed one, on hand not only to prompt for stories and to help illustrate them, but also to represent meaningfully, a sense of community. The image being created is anti-establishment and queer. Goddess is about a woman who breaks the rules in the most profound manner.” Suzy wrong
Credits & Acknowledgements
Set Design Tobhiyah Stone Feller
Co-Creators & Performers Elizabeth Burton, Betty Grumble & Aaron Manhattan
Lighting Design & Production Management Alex Torney
Costume Designers Alice Joel & Holly-Jane Cohle
Dramaturg Victoria Spence
Producer Thom Smyth - Performing Lines
Photographer Joseph Mayers