Burlesque benefit marks 10 years of supporting Rape Crisis Trust

The Grand Exhibition Burlesque Benefit will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Saturday, September 27, at The Star Theatre, Homecoming Centre.

The annual fundraiser, hosted by Lady Magnolia and The Rouge Revue Burlesque Company, raises money for the Rape Crisis Trust. Since its launch in 2015 with just 80 people at the Hope Street Market, the event has grown to fill theatres of more than 300 people and has raised over R250 000 for the organisation, which supports rape survivors and victims of sexual offences.

Performers include both newcomers and international award-winning burlesque artists. Lady Magnolia said the benefit is about more than entertainment: “Burlesque is a space of healing, celebration, and high-voltage femininity. Our performers shed not only their gloves but also the shame and silencing placed on women’s bodies. This is about reclaiming power — together.”

Performers taking part this year echoed the importance of the event. Diamond Duchess, who is both a survivor and a performer, said: “My attire, my body, and my personality are mine alone. No means no. My body, my rules.”

“Burlesque is about reclaiming and celebrating one’s body, sexuality, and agency. By raising funds for the Rape Crisis Trust, we stand with survivors and imagine a world where our bodies are truly our own,” said another dancer, Lupay Brown.

Doors for The Grand Exhibition Burlesque Benefit open at 6.30pm, and the show starts at 8pm. 

Tickets cost from R290 to R330 and are available via Quicket.

For more information, contact Lady Magnolia at rougerevue@gmail.com