N Next Week, the 300th performance will be marked with a Star Wars-themed, comedic, passive parody show, "The Empire Strips Back." There are more stories to tell about this experience, and I am curious today about how clearly our audience can see their smiles, laughter, and snickers. I wondered if we smile at you, look directly into your iris, do you handle our humanity?
I am sure some people will, but I know many won't, and I cannot blame or look down on them for it. We go on stage in outdated stage makeup, wearing ridiculous costumes that you wouldn't see in the real world, and we are draped in curtains under expensive and saturated airbrushing, under dazzling lights. It's like peering into a television screen that lets you peek into another world. I get it. I've seen colleagues at home when they've been given free time for a light track or injury. We don't really look genuine.
We are beautiful and young women. Honestly, I would be insulted if people saw us as the same species when we perform. So that's why they paid to meet us.
In 6 cities and 300 shows, I have gathered an immensely fascinating sociological sample by observing the behavior of our audience, because we can see your face big and clear. If you bought tickets to sit in the front row, I can see your Princess Leia costume, the color of your eyes, and your partner's hand. He's dressed as a solo. You might not know this, but live theater is an exchange. I can feel your energy and guess what you're thinking from my vast experience.
Contrary to popular belief, despite our deliberately comedic dance dealing with Jabba the Hutt's food, you are watching incredibly intelligent people perform. To be a dancer, dedication, determination, physical, and mental strength from another world are required. The years of training and strategy we have to...