Since my self-prescribed and Berlin-drag-performer-delivered MECFS antiviral meds are working so well, I went back out to work!
I was very much helped by the fact that I could travel with our dear friend Daniel Paikov, a fellow documentary artist who records Queer Berlin in photographs.
And I was welcomed and supported by The Sinner’s Saloon producer Felicity Felicis, above! Felicity is one of Berlin’s great cabaret performers; she’s also the magic behind productions like TSS and The Theatre of Leeds. Her website is here!
I love to draw her IRL and also jumped in online when she was modeling for Sketcherei not long ago.
When I saw the performer list for this show, I HAD TO BE THERE.
Misty Lotus is one of my very favorite burlesque stars. Misty is based in Switzerland, and is a producer, performer, fire-eater and doyenne of the Swiss Burlesque Academy.
Misty did two acts; her Ursula is incredible!
I first drew Misty at the incredible 2019 Berlin Burlesque Week, a wonderfully rich series of shows that also included a powerful social justice education panel.
Bishop Black is another absolute Berlin legend I love to draw.
I’ve drawn them modeling for Dr. Sketchy’s Berlin several times and workshop-modeling for Shine Louise Houston, but this was the first time I drew them dancing! This performance involved kinetic movement, self-tying and insertion with a rubber tape.
Bishop did two acts, and the second one involved a staple gun!
They stapled paper hearts all over themselves! I am not a great piercing or sideshow audience as I tend to flinch, but the effect was lovely.
It was the first time I’d seen hostess Marta Karta perform: what a dark cabaret legend!
She hosted, and sang, and danced! See her insta here and upcoming shows here.
People with great hair!
Redhead from Finland Armi Von Vep, who also did a spin onstage, and in the background DJ Don Rogall.
There was another wonderful surprise – Martini Cherryfurter is back in Berlin!
Such a joy to see and hug her after so long. She was called onto the stage to do an impromptu act with Enjo Flint. Enjo smashed a bunch of glass on the floor and Martini stood on his head!
Gracefully, of course, as she does everything. Photo of the actual moment by Daniel Paikov here! I of course was flinching 🙂
It was also my first time seeing/drawing Constance Peach!
She brought glamorous and wicked Marie Antoinette vibes. Her insta is here and site here.
The Next Sinners Saloon is June 4th; I won’t be there cause I will be wiped out from Hurentag the day before, but tickets are here!
All in all, I couldn’t have asked for more for my return to drawing in a club after over three years.
Crack Bellmer has a ventilation system (although I had to ask them to turn it on) and Felicity made sure I had exactly the seating setup I needed. Having a buddy system with Daniel helped so much.
I felt a little weird going out in my prescription swim goggles and 3M Aura FFP3 mask, but my self-consciousness melted away when everyone was so kind to me.
Misty Lotus said, “Ah, it’s Berlin! It’s fine!”
As always, I am so grateful to my Patreon Patrons, whose monthly financial support makes it possible for me to continue documenting Berlin performers as a vulnerable disabled person. For as little as a dollar/euro per month, you can help!
