SCRIPT TEASE: Interview with Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell
Talking about the similarities between burlesque and comics.
I am so lucky that I happened to meet Hilary! I was scrolling here on Substack when I came across her and WOW are we kindred spirits.
EERIE: Before we begin, could you please describe yourself and what you do?
HILARY: Most people know me as a cartoonist for The New Yorker but I am also a comedian, writer, filmmaker, and burlesquer!! My burlesque name is Anita Prilosex :)
EERIE: I've been exploring the similarities between burlesque and comics. What is the biggest similarity you notice between the two artforms?
HILARY: Oh man there is so much in common. Being extra. Going over the top to get a laugh. Using the body for humor. Self expression! Going for the... punch line, so to speak.
EERIE: What's a moment in your cartooning that made you feel totally "naked" ?
HILARY: The release of my upcoming book The Joy of Snacking is about to be the most vulnerable I'll have ever been, but previously a comic I wrote called Attention Seeking Behavior that first appeared on Human Parts was an extreme naked moment.
EERIE: When creating a burlesque act I kind of storyboard it first. Does sequential storytelling also influence how you create your burlesque routines?
HILARY: Totally! You're visualizing all the beats. The reveals. The costume pieces. I totally draw my acts out as I'm developing them. I also love to draw naked women dancing so I guess it all goes hand in hand. I'm currently mapping out a new routine for my release party at the Slipper Room on October 7th!
EERIE: Can you describe some times in your comics that felt like a glove peel moment or a big tassel twirl?
HILARY: Ok I love all these questions. I think there's a lot of that in The Joy of Snacking. Well actually, there's a literal tassel twirl in it, but as far as a glove peel... I think my series of comics about the closing of Pocono Palace fits that :)
EERIE: I find that whether it's on the page or on the stage we need to use reveals to keep the attention of the audience. How do you use "the tease" to keep your readership engaged?
HILARY: There's a lot of like moment to moment building in comics. You have to decide what to show and when. Where is their eye being drawn to? What is an important detail in the drawing, what can be looser, or maybe not even drawn? My typical work (not my book) is very sketchy and minimal. Just pen and the paper. I always love my first draft of something in my sketchbook when it's not thought through, there's more expression. Often when I sit down to officially "draw" something, it loses that freedom and I get really frustrated. Same can be true with burlesque -- when an act is stiff it's no fun, you want a mix of confidence with freedom.
If you aren’t already I highly recommend following Hilary! She is wonderful!
Click here to go to her page
Thank you Eerie!!!
Great interview!