By Katy Ray
There are no surprises when you purchase a ticket to see a Naked Girls Reading show here in our nation’s capital. You know exactly what you’re getting into: beautiful women, completely naked, reading their favorite excerpts of literature. But what the title of this burlesque-meets-literature performing arts show doesn’t tell you is just how playful, interactive, warm and welcoming the atmosphere truly is.
The audience is respectful. The girls are playful, encouraging commentary and dialogue that transcends the imaginary fourth wall between audience and stage. The host of the evening is engaging and dynamic. And of course, there are always some refreshments available for those who may need a little liquid courage.
“What it boils down to, is that people love being read to, but when you grow up, no one reads to you anymore. This is your chance to get read to as an adult. It’s in a show form, but you get the chance to be read to,” says Cherokee Rose, the producer of the Naked Girls Reading D.C.
The Naked Girls franchise is rooted in Chicago, where Rose first performed as a Naked Girl. Upon relocating to the Washington D.C. area, she decided to bring the Naked Girls experience to D.C. and well, we couldn’t be happier that she did. Since her arrival, Rose has connected with community members and fellow burlesque performers to deliver this exquisite love affair of literature and nudity.
“I think in general, our society is really trapped in puritanical views about sexuality and nudity. Naked Girls Reading, burlesque, or any performing art that celebrates nudity goes toward shaping healthier attitudes for our society. The human body is beautiful, not a thing of shame,” says Naked Girl Cherie Sweetbottom, who was recruited to the stage by Rose.
The official Naked Girls are Cherokee Rose, Gigi Holliday and Cherie Sweetbottom. They host a different guest Naked Girl every month and this month they will be joined by the Porcelain Provocateur, Lucy Flawless, of Chicago. Each month, these girls collaborate together under a specified theme to select their favorite pieces to deliver to the audience.
“Part of what I love about it is that we get to pick our own reading, so things I pick are things I absolutely love. I don’t pick things I don’t feel a connection to. I feel like, it’s revealing a little part of me, the interplay of doing that while naked really adds to the experience,” Sweetbottom adds.
These women are doing much more than simply putting on a performance: They are reclaiming, repackaging, and rebranding the feminine physique and psyche. “People still have problems with women taking their own nakedness and that’s the empowerment piece,” explains Rose.
“No one is making us get on stage and be naked for someone else, for men, or for advertisements. We are naked because we feel good about the way our bodies look and we have fun doing it. None of us are perfect, but we want other women to feel the same way about their nakedness.”
The next Naked Girls Reading D.C. event will be held at the DC Arts Center on Friday, January 10 at 7 p.m. The show will feature readings from their favorite Erotica series. Tickets are $20 for DCAC members, and $25 for non-members. To purchase tickets to the event, click here.
