It’s time again for the girls to come out and play for the Femme Fatale Carnivale, a fundraiser for the Vagina Monologues. A change of venue has allowed for more participants to come out and let loose in this, its third year in Calgary. The much talked about wear what you dare policy pertains to the events and has received positive responses in previous years as explained by the organizer Marsha Ellen Meidow.
“This gives people the opportunity to let loose and shake off the drudgery of day to day stresses.”
Entertainment includes burlesque dancers, a magic show, drag performances, dancing, belly dancing, a blues group and the hand of Master Sarah Monies to make the night run smoothly. There will also be a live auction with artwork from Calgary’s premiere low-brow artist.
The main concept behind the event is positive sexual expression - something generally lacking in our culture especially towards the female form. This is celebrated in popular culture, but is rarely a realistic picture of achievable feminine beauty, which often limits the definitions of what is considered feminine and beautiful.
As Meidow puts it, ”This is about strong, intelligent and beautiful women and men who have CHOSEN to express themselves fully. These are woman standing up and reclaiming their bodies and their freedom of speech. These are women saying ’Here I am. This is me. I am free to express myself as I chose. I am a liberated being who makes my own rules, and feels free to break those rules if that is what moves me.’”
Meidow is a legend in her own right, now embodying this event completely. A recent recipient of the Humanitarian of the Year Award through the Calgary Peace Awards, she is also celebrating five years as a councilor for at-risk youth with the YWCA’s Safe Haven Program. Thus 100% of the proceeds from Femme Fatale Carnivale will benefit the Calgary production of The Vagina Monologues, helping end violence towards women and girls worldwide. “I have raised over $50,000.00 by putting [the event] on in the past and hope to continue this struggle through such programs in our city.”
This year’s production is dedicated in memory of Nico Hofferd who passed away unexpectedly in July of last year. Nico was a writer for this publication, a DJ at CJSW, an activist, riot grrl, and a leader in this community. She touched so many people and inspired us all.
This event is not to be missed – come out and support the fight against the oppression of women everywhere, and celebrate a positive sexual message.
Femme Fatale Carnivale
March 7th, 2008
Doors open at 8pm, show starts 8:30pm.
Tantra Nightclub
355 – 10th Avenue SW, Calgary
Tickets: $20
Available at Blame Betty (17th Ave, 8th Street)
Tickets are NOT available at the door.
