The following is an interview with Becky Feldman regarding the production, Tight: Sexy Stories About Pelvic Pain, at the 2022 Hollywood Fringe Festival. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Feldman about the inspiration behind the production, the creative process of bringing the show to life, how you can purchase tickets, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congrats on the launch of your production in this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival! For those who may be unfamiliar, what can you tell us about the premise of this show?
Becky Feldman: Thank you!! Tight is a comedic solo show about the awkward, heartbreaking, and frustrating struggle of having sexual dysfunction. It’s about my decision to heal, both emotionally and physically, after years of shutting myself off to romantic relationships and intimate encounters. And getting your mojo back is way more complicated if one were to describe you as “adorably neurotic.”
BD: What can you share with us about the creative process of working with director Courtney Davis to bring this production to life?
BF: Courtney is my closest friend, writing partner, and was my confidante when I did all these unconventional things I talk about in the show. She’s also one of the most creative and hilarious people I know. She has an astounding level of devotion and diligence to getting every element just perfect when we work together. And I couldn’t think of a better creative mind to get Tight, well, you know… tight.
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums. How do you feel that your story will connect with and impact audiences?
BF: Pelvic pain affects a huge proportion of vulva-owners but is a topic that is rarely talked about openly. There’s a lot of shame associated with the condition and so many people keep it to themselves. And this burden can be tough, especially for something that impacts your quality of life. And I hope that this story helps people feel seen.
After performing it once pre-pandemic, I’ve received a lot of powerful feedback from audience members with similar conditions and experiences. There’s an excitement when you learn that you’re not alone. In fact, I know about people’s pelvic floor and urethral issues before I even learn their name. There’s something so meaningful when you and a complete stranger dish about your vulvas and vaginas as you shake hands for the first time.
BD: What makes the Hollywood Fringe Festival an ideal venue for your productions?
BF: For a festival that celebrates all types of creative expression, I couldn’t think of a better way to bring my show back to the stage. Everyone I’ve met is so supportive of you as an artist, and you get to meet so many other artists. I’m so honored to be a part of this festival and community.
BD: Both of the shows will be appearing at studio/stage in June. Are there any future plans to perform the show at other venues?
BF: Absolutely! There are actually going to be five performances of Tight at studio/stage. And all of these shows will be livestreaming, so you can watch from anywhere!
It would be great if I could go on tour with it and perform it again and again! What I love about this show is that it evolves as I evolve, and I can see myself performing this show for years to come. Or maybe do a sequel. Do solo shows have sequels? If this show could become the Fast and the Furious of solo shows, what a dream! I’d be the Vin Diesel of solo shows!
BD: Are there any upcoming projects that you would care to share with our readers?
BF: I would love to plug the zine, Opening Up. It was published by Tight Lipped which is a podcast and community dedicated to bringing awareness to chronic vulvovaginal pain. I have an essay in there, but there are so many other profound essays, poems, and artwork by such inspiring creatives. When I have low moments, it’s always nice to pick it up, turn to any page, and start reading. It’s like a hug in paper form.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell readers who want to learn more about and purchase tickets for Tight: Sexy Stories About Pelvic Pain?
BF: For tickets and more information, you can head to hff22.co/7296 or tight-show.com!
