The Myth of Ixion and the Victorian Burlesque

Abstract

The Victorian Burlesque was a minor British theatrical genre close to the Comic Opera. Classic Mythology was one of its favourite subjects: watching gods betting, playing cards or drinking tea had a very funny effect. On the other hand, mythology gave the possibility of seeing actresses and dancers scarcely dressed, according to the standards of the times. The burlesque reflected through anachronistic references the socio-political reality of the moment. And, on the other hand, it spread the knowledge of Classical Mythology to an audience who was often not very cultivated. Burnand's Ixion or the Man at the Wheel is a great example of this genre.