We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mz. Cocoa Pearlesque a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Mz. Cocoa, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
In the mesmerizing world of burlesque, where glamor meets storytelling, there is one production I am doing that is breaking barriers and rewriting the narrative. “We’re The Color Purple” – a theater burlesque extravaganza that transcends the traditional boundaries of the art form. In this deeply personal account, I want to share the inspiration, struggles, and triumphs that have fueled this transformative journey in putting this production together. The Genesis of “We’re The Color Purple”:
The journey began not just with a desire to entertain, but with a mission to illuminate untold stories. “We’re The Color Purple” is not your typical burlesque show; it is a theatrical odyssey that delves into the lives of 5 Black women overcoming adversity, poverty, and various forms of abuse. Addressing colorism and forbidden love, this powerful production seeks to uplift and empower its audience.
A Cast of Icons:
The heart of the production lies in its cast, a constellation of iconic Black burlesque performers, including Egypt Blaque Knyle, Coco` Rose, Mac Devill, Lady Ve’Lush, Blaque Diamond, PleZher, Noel The Gentleman, Scorpi Eroctic and Carmella Mori. Each artist brings their unique flair to the stage, breathing life into characters from the beloved book, movie, and play “The Color Purple,” with the added twist of burlesque flavor.
The Personal Connection:
For me “The Color Purple” is not just a source of inspiration; it is a mirror reflecting on their personal journey. Growing up as a darker-skinned Black female, I identified deeply with Celie, the main character. The dark skinned woman was only good for raising the children, cooking and the cleaning. I was jealous of the lighter skinned black female. I saw them as more desired and beautiful. It wasn’t until I read the book as an adult and took away the fact that light skinned females were overly s*xualized. They were treated like a s*x object and would treat them like whores despite who they were as a person. I learned my self-worth and that NO ONE should take that away from you. You have to stand up for yourself, even when you know the consequences can be deadly. I’d rather die than live under a man’s foot! The production serves as a testament to breaking free from societal norms that dictate worth based on skin color and challenging the injustices faced by Black women during that era.
Choosing Juneteenth:
The significance of the Juneteenth debut is rooted in the desire to symbolize liberation beyond physical emancipation. “We might have been free from slavery in body, but we were still enslaved in our minds”. The chosen date marks the breaking away from the shackles of the past, a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the fight against injustice.
Empowering Through Art:
At the heart of “We’re The Color Purple” is the profound message of self-worth, resilience, and freedom. The resonating line, “I’m poor, black, I may be ugly, but dear God I’m Here! I’m Here!” encapsulates the spirit of the production – a declaration of freedom from societal judgments, a rallying cry for self-love, and a celebration of authenticity.
A Staple in the Black Community:
This ambitious project is not just a personal endeavor; it is a gift to the Black community. Encouraging everyone to read the book and delve into the deeper layers of the narrative, I hope to spark conversations, challenge perceptions, and foster a sense of unity among generations.
“We’re The Color Purple” is more than a burlesque production; it is a celebration of Black resilience, a reclaiming of narratives, and a testament to the power of art in fostering change. My journey is a testament to the transformative potential of storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on both the world of burlesque and the hearts of those fortunate enough to witness this groundbreaking spectacle.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
For those who may not know me, I’m someone who embraces life with passion and resilience. Despite grappling with significant challenges like surviving cervical cancer, brittle diabetes, and severe obesity, I’ve managed to persevere. Throughout it all, my family has been my rock, providing support during the darkest moments and giving me the strength to share my journey today.
Just a few years ago, I struggled with self-worth and felt trapped in a cycle of dissatisfaction. Then, when the pandemic hit, it exacerbated my feelings of despair and led to additional weight gain. But drawing on my past experiences of overcoming self-destructive tendencies, I made a conscious decision to reclaim my life. I returned to my lifelong love of dance, a passion instilled in me since childhood with the unwavering support of my mother, who ensured I received formal training in Tap, Jazz, and Ballet.
Inspired by a fellow Pinup Model, I delved into Burlesque dancing as a means to further express myself artistically. However, faced with the closure of traditional performance venues, I refused to be deterred. Instead, I seized the opportunity to create my own platform and ventured into producing virtual shows—a groundbreaking move during the pandemic. My goal was not only to showcase my talents but also to provide a stage for other performers longing to connect with audiences and experience the thrill of live performance.
Over the course of the pandemic, I produced over thirty virtual productions, reaching audiences across continents. But now, as we fast forward to 2024, I’m thrilled to announce a significant milestone in my journey. Having transitioned back to in-person performances, I’ve produced over 30 burlesque shows and am preparing for the biggest production of my career—a celebration of Black independence from slavery on Juneteenth in Madison, WI, hosted at The Crucible Night Club. It’s an event I can’t wait to bring to life!
Reflecting on this journey, I’m reminded of the transformative power of determination and creativity, even in the face of adversity. I’m immensely proud of the strides I’ve made and remain committed to inspiring others to pursue their passions fearlessly, just as I have done.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Absolutely! Every day, I strive to better myself and learn something new. My goals in life are constantly evolving, and my journey is ongoing. As long as I have another day on God’s green earth, I will live my life to the best of my ability.
One of my immediate goals is to establish and grow my production company. I am passionate about bringing creative projects to life and providing a platform for diverse voices and innovative ideas. I believe in the potential of my company to produce content that not only entertains but also inspires and educates audiences. Building a solid foundation and ensuring its success is a significant focus for me right now, and I am committed to seeing it flourish into something truly remarkable. My mission is to create impactful, meaningful work that resonates with people and makes a positive difference in the world.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to unleash my creativity and invite others into my mind space. My imagination knows no limits, and the process of tapping into those unknown realms within my brain is both exhilarating and fulfilling. In a world where it often feels like everything has been done before, I take immense pride in striving to create new and unique experiences.
The challenge of thinking outside the box and crafting something truly original is one of the aspects I cherish the most. It requires constant innovation and a willingness to push boundaries, which keeps the creative journey exciting and dynamic. I find great satisfaction in knowing that my work can offer fresh perspectives and inspire others to see the world differently.
Additionally, the opportunity to connect with audiences on a deeper level through my art is incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s through a story, a visual piece, or any other creative endeavor, being able to evoke emotions and provoke thought in others is a profound experience. Ultimately, my goal is to create impactful work that resonates and leaves a lasting impression, setting me apart in a world full of imitation.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Cocoa_pearlesque
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.nell.526
- Youtube: @shellespearlsofwisdom4651
Image Credits
lovingoneselfphotos