Burlesque, << bur LEHSK, >> was a popular form of variety entertainment in the United States during the early 1900’s. Burlesque achieved its peak of popularity from 1905 to the 1920’s. During this time, burlesque was presented in a standard format that resembled vaudeville (see Vaudeville). Comedians, variety acts, and skits alternated with musical numbers that featured beautiful women and bawdy humor.
The term burlesque comes from the Italian word burla, which means jest or mockery. American burlesque originated in the mid-1800’s from many forms of entertainment, including the circus, minstrel shows, and broad comedies called farces. Until the 1920’s burlesque shows attracted audiences of men and women. But by the late 1920’s, sexual content became increasingly important and burlesque began to attract men only.
In the 1930’s, Billy Minsky introduced striptease acts into burlesque shows he presented in New York City. Soon burlesque was featuring scantily dressed females instead of the traditional comedians and humor. By the mid-1900’s, burlesque no longer existed as a distinct form of entertainment.
Burlesque is also a literary form. In literature, a burlesque is a story, poem, or play that ridicules a familiar subject or literary work through exaggeration or parody (see Parody).
