THE OCCULT CABARET

SIO BAST

Introducing the illustrious GothPinupChola, a force known as the professional chingona! For over a decade, this international Latin sensation has captivated audiences across the United States, infusing stages with the vibrant essence of Salvadorian and Mexican culture. As the visionary founder of LatinEsque—an empowering all-Latinx female production company—and Obscura, the enchanting Gothic burlesque show, she has redefined the performance landscape.

Alongside Kombi, SioBast has brought Cathedral, one of Chicago’s most iconic shows, to life, illuminating the stage with their combined brilliance. Beyond burlesque, she proudly serves as Chicago’s head librarian for Courtney Crave's BARE Book Club series, merging theatricality with literary exploration for a truly immersive experience.

Having collaborated with some of the biggest luminaries in the scene, she’s destined for an incredibly radiant future. Our deity of darkness, a delicate fucking flower, and a goddam ray of sunshine…SioBast!

VIVIAN MERETRIX

Vivian Meretrix, the Sorceress of Shimmy and the Head Hottie from the Illumi-Naughtie, is an Ordained Priestess and Sacred Dancer, who has performed at national occult conferences as well as local Chicago burlesque stages. In 2023, she formed The Illumi-Naughtie Occult Burlesque creating shows that titillate and educate, combining spiritually-based performances and occult history and ideology. Past shows include Rites of Spring, Divine Devils, Hermetica, and more!

FRANN FATALE

Frann Fatale (she/they) is the feral housewife that will burn your dinner then your bed. Her solo burlyQ debut was in 2021, after participating in Gaea Lady’s Pvssy Magic transformation through burlesque program. Before that, she shook a wing for a good thing with The Fly Honey Show — femme powered, queer punk, communal cabaret — since 2013. She also brings 25+ years of dance/movement experience + believes in the power of being seen. Exploring the tantalizing intersections of burlesque, flow arts, + kink, her work finds the soulful embodiment of intimate alchemy. She traverses the paradoxes between sacred + profane, shadow + light, desire + fulfillment. Currently based in Chicago, she has performed at The Newport Theater, Elastic Arts, Epiphany Center for the Arts, Eco Collective, Transamoeba Studios, The Art of Balance, The Ace Hotel, + Between the Trees Festival. She is the co-producer of PussyWolf with Gaea Lady – since 2021+ The Veil Between with Big Fine; both diverse community performance projects with therapeutic + transformational natures.

EMERALD IVY

Emerald Ivy is the Salacious Seductress of the Second City. Hailing from Chicago IL she is a resident performer at Untitled and The Drifter. She is also a Pole Dancer, a Fire Spinner, and an instructor. Her Neo-classic style is heavily laced with sacred disobedience. She is going to be the slow burn your soul has been missing.

CANDESTROY

CanDeStroy has been contorting themselves through burlesque since early 2023. Since then she has graced the stages of across Austin, even taking a step into the Atlanta burlesque scene! When not onstage, she's producing CanDeStroy Movement Productions, a production company featuring local Austinites with stories about nostalgia, magic, and self-empowerment. You can find them training for aerials including pole, Lyra, and more, and teaching functional mobility and choreography while she's not on stage.

ALYSTAIR CALLOWAY

The thing calling itself Aystair Calloway crash landed onto the Chicago Scene last year. Since then this spotlight loving chameleon has tried on many different names faces and personalities and doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon. They will draw you in, turn you on, and freak you out.

CICADA GREENE

Creepy yet cute like their favorite insect, Cicada Greene is new to the Chicago Burlesque Scene and Performance Art in general. With a background in visual arts, they are full of ideas for energetic and visually exciting performances.