Octavia Saint Laurent passed away a few days ago. She was one of the stars of the 1990 documentary, Paris is Burning, so it seems fitting to post some of that documentary today.
Director Jennie Livingston spent seven years following and filming the underground New York scene of drag balls. These competitions, half beauty pageants, half dance contest, attracted young gay black and latino men to fulfill their glamour fantasies. Houses, or 'families' formed including House of Ninja, House of Xtravaganza and House of Saint Laurent. Octavia was the mother figure of the Saint Laurent group.
The film also documents the origins of 'voguing'. A style of dance that Madonna would adopt and record a song about.
The documentary really delves into the social issues these men face in America in the 1980s, and the envy they have of the rich white woman. Just look at some of the categories a ball would have: Town and Country, Executive Realness, High Fashion Eveningwear and Realness (looking as straight as possible). These men are very aware of the fact that they face a lot of difficulties in their society, and it's inspiring to see them find a forum to celebrate themselves.
Paris is Burning is on Youtube in it's entirety, or is available on DVD.
One of my all-time favorite documentaries. Let the children play!!
Posted by: Zoë | May 25, 2009 at 08:57 PM