Best Of: Ariana Grande / Inside A Dominatrix's Dungeon
Feb 8, 2025
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Ariana Grande, a talented singer and actress acclaimed for her Oscar-nominated role in Wicked, discusses the film's profound themes of belonging and morality. She reflects on her journey as a theater nerd, preparing to embody Galinda. Meanwhile, writer Brittany Newell, a professional dominatrix, dives into her novel 'Soft Core', revealing the hidden world of San Francisco's nightlife and BDSM culture. The conversation explores deep human connections, the struggles of identity, and the emotional intricacies in both performance and personal narratives.
Ariana Grande's portrayal in Wicked reveals profound themes of friendship, identity, and acceptance amidst societal expectations of good and evil.
Brittany Newell's novel Softcore explores the emotional complexities of relationships within the BDSM community, highlighting the deeper needs behind physical desires.
Deep dives
Ariana Grande's Transformation in Wicked
Ariana Grande's role as Galinda in the musical film Wicked highlights the journey of her character from a privileged individual to a figure who embraces true friendship with Elphaba, a figure ostracized for her green skin. The film serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, exploring themes of identity, societal expectations, and the complexities surrounding perceptions of good and evil. Grande describes her own transformation through intensive vocal training to master the operatic style required for her role, showcasing her commitment to embodying Galinda authentically. The character's journey, especially as she navigates her friendship with Elphaba, reflects the underlying message of acceptance and the challenge of looking beyond appearances.
Cultural Impact of Wicked
Wicked has emerged as a cultural phenomenon, significantly impacting audiences with its deeper exploration of themes such as belonging and the complexities of friendship. Grande recounts how seeing Wicked on Broadway as a child profoundly influenced her perspective, dividing her life into 'before' and 'after' experiences related to the story's themes. The production’s ability to resonate with various generations, particularly through its film adaptation, allows new audiences to engage with its messages of self-discovery and acceptance. This accessibility means that the film reaches individuals who may never have the opportunity to see the live musical, fostering a new generation of theater enthusiasts.
The Role of Empathy in Dominatrix Life
Brittany Newell's novel Softcore delves into the intricacies of the strip club and BDSM underworld, portraying the life of protagonist Ruth, who transforms from a stripper to a dominatrix after her ex-boyfriend disappears. The novel highlights the deeper emotional needs of Ruth's clients, focusing not just on physical desires but also on the loneliness and grief they carry. Newell, who draws from her own experiences as a dominatrix, emphasizes the importance of empathy and curiosity in her narrative, shedding light on the complex nature of relationships formed in such unique spaces. This exploration reveals significant emotional themes, as Ruth navigates her role as both a provider of fantasies and an unwitting listener to her clients' vulnerabilities.
The Intersection of Personal Experience and Fiction
In Softcore, Newell blurs the line between fiction and personal experience, with her protagonist Ruth embodying characteristics that reflect Newell's own observations and insights into the world of sex work. The novel portrays a relatable and realistic representation of Ruth as an average woman, emphasizing how her seemingly ordinary traits allow her to connect deeply with her clients. Newell’s reflections on the emotional toll of such work speak to broader themes about self-understanding, identity, and societal perceptions of desirability. Ultimately, the novel invites readers to consider how the experiences of individuals in underrepresented spaces contribute to a richer understanding of human desire and connection.
We talk about the cultural phenomenon of Wicked with star Ariana Grande. She's nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Grande talks about some of the underlying messages in the film about belonging and good versus evil, and how growing up as a theatre nerd prepared her for this role.
Also, writer and professional dominatrix Brittany Newell joins us to talk about her new novel Soft Core, which explores the underworld of San Francisco's dive bars, strip clubs, and BDSM dungeons.
Maureen Corrigan reviews two quintessential New York City books.