10/02/2023
Hello to our family, friends, fans, and followers -
While we wrap up another wonderful year of the Oregon Burlesque Festival, we want to take a moment to comment and make a public apology in regards to harm we have caused with a performance piece we featured on our Friday night show.
We received thoughtful and genuine concern from members of our audience and cast when an act at the festival showcased artifacts that could be perceived as appropriative and stereotyping the history and lived experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander peoples. This act included culturally specific music, and imagery performed by a person that is not of Asian American and Pacific Islander descent. We have spoken to this performer, who was kind and receptive to feedback provided about her act.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the producers of this festival to consider the impact of any act we book, and how it could be viewed or felt as harmful. We recognize that none of us have the lived experience of Asian American and Pacific Islander peoples, and sincerely apologize to our performers and audiences (past and present) for not recognizing said harm in the moment. We take full accountability for allowing this act to be on the Oregon Burlesque Festival stage. While the intention of your producers is NOT to perpetuate stereotypes, patriarchal, authoritarian, colonial, or oppressive narratives -- the reality is that this was the impact of the act.
We also want to thank those of you who came to us to discuss this act. We are deeply appreciative of your labor, and recognize the thought and emotion you put into educating us. As individuals and a team, we are committed to continuing to learn, be accountable, and transparent. We are committed to making sure our production is respectful of the cultures and communities we elevate and share. We will continue to innovate and explore new ways to give up power, for the purpose of uplifting and expanding the visibility and voices of historically excluded peoples.
We regrettably and humbly thank you for taking the time to process with us, and welcome continued call-in and call-outs, as all experiences felt during the Friday performance are valid, meaningful, and deserve to be heard.
with love and gratitude,
Holly Dai, RiRi SynCyr, Lola Coquette
The Oregon Burlesque Festival
Please feel free to email us should you choose with comments, concerns or questions to [email protected]
