“The Hysterical Festival is a celebration of fearless female humor launching in New York City in Fall 2008. Showcasing the wide range of ways in which women are hilarious, we aim to both entertain and break new ground for women in the comedic arts.”
Based on the origin of the word “hysterical,” I really love the title of this festival.
“Hysterical 1615, from L. hystericus ‘of the womb,’ from Gk. hysterikos ‘of the womb, suffering in the womb,’ from hystera ‘womb’ (see uterus). Originally defined as a neurotic condition peculiar to women and thought to be caused by a dysfunction of the uterus. Hysterics is 1727; hysteria, abstract noun, formed 1801.”
From www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=hysterical
I have wondered if many burlesque shows which are all striptease might still be considered comedy and variety shows — the performances ARE comedy and variety, only now the strippers are doing it ALL. Depending on the show, of course.
– Jo Weldon
Jo Weldon is Headmistress of the award-winning New York School of Burlesque and is a regular burlesque performer. Visit burlesquedaily.blogspot.com to read her daily blog.
Hysterical Festival: blog.hystericalfestival.com