Julia Matias interviewed Canadian "Living Legend" of Burlesque, Judith Stein, over zoom to discuss the joys, trials, and adventures of life working as a touring stripper working throughout Canada and the United States in the 1970s and 80s.
BIO: Judith Stein the “Canadian Legend of Burlesque” refers to herself as “Just a small town Woodbridge, Ontario farm girl who sought adventure and discovered the bright lights and opportunities of the stripping life.” Beginning as a go-go girl while attending University of Oregon to supplement her meagre student budget, she soon discovered the art of stripping would fulfil her wish for travel, adventure—and yes, money!— thus beginning her international stripper career of 17 years. From lowdown beer parlours to internationally recognized venues in New Zealand, Guam, and the United States, Stein delighted in bringing some sassy, sexy entertainment to each and every audience she served.
A journey of many insights, discoveries, joys and dismay, and armed with this new and evocative knowledge, she retired to a small mountain town in the Kootenays of BC, to exchange her g-string for ski boots and began her own independent business of creating vintage-inspired nightgowns and burlesque dusters. However, “no rest for the wicked" as the saying goes. On a whim in 2010, she googled ‘burlesque’ and was delighted to discover that our noble art was alive, thriving at the Burlesque Hall of Fame museum and its Weekender event! Without a second thought her suitcase was packed to discover the joys of BHOF and especially reuniting with long lost legendary stripper friends, and finally meeting those whom she admired from afar. Well known legends like Fannie Annie, Holiday O’Hara and Satan’s Angel endorsed her as a Legend of Burlesque from Canada and thus with the support of Vancouver and Cheesecake Burlesque Revue Community, Stein found herself once again upon the stage to her amazement and delight. From there, she would eventually perform again internationally in New Zealand, Finland, the USA, and her beloved Canada. A subject of many burlesque podcasts, publications, and documentaries including Rama Rau’s League of Exotic Dancers, she continues to support, mentor, and giggle with those who love her chosen art.
A transcript will be added later.
