As my father lay dying of cirrhosis and emphysema, I saw federal agents blow up a cult’s compound in Waco and they were wearing “ATF” on their uniforms. It was a shock to learn there was a government bureau devoted to the 3 things that were most fatal to my family: alcohol, tobacco and firearms. Annex Theatre accepted my proposal to develop a show dealing with this through Meyerhold’s Biomechanics, LeCoq Clowning, Pilates conditioning and rigorous academic study. They rented a gymnasium for us 3 days a week for a year and the result was ATF–a Burlesque.