Where history meets fantasy

Not only is the term “nerd” no longer a slur, it’s sort of an endearing quality. Nowadays, nerd means something more like savant, a person who’s knowledgeable in a specific area and doesn’t feel any guilt over it. Events like last month’s Comic-Con host massive hordes of the nation’s nerds, and better yet, allows people to dress up like their favorite characters and folk heroes.

Steampunk culture, like comic book culture, allows people the opportunity to play out their fantasies — or in layman’s terms, “nerd out” — usually in the comfort of like-minded individuals.

It’s best described as a re-imagining of the Victorian era with advanced technology, a la speculative fiction from the likes of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne. Time machines, ray guns, communication devices, and mad scientist torch goggles are all commonplace here, and current gadgets like cell phones and laptops are retro-ized to resemble a late 19th Century aesthetic.

The steampunk trend spawned from cyberpunk in the 1980s and has grown even more popular in the last 20 years. Those unfamiliar might recognize Hollywood’s rendition of the movement in film adaptations of popular works of fiction like Around the World in 80 Days, Wild Wild West, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, The Prestige and more recently in Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes.

While nearby cities like Chicago, Madison and Minneapolis have noticeable steampunk scenes, Milwaukee hasn’t hosted nearly any gatherings, local circus performer Gypsy Geoff Marsh says.

That’s something he’s about to change.

Geoff's steampunk-inspired goggles

“[Steampunk is] definitely gaining hype,” Marsh says,” and it’s that new type of niche of crafters, weirdos, sci-fi geeks and comic geeks.”

DIY culture figures prominently into steampunk, and constant innovation is what separates it from comic book culture. (Marsh showed up to this interview with a set of goggles he built himself. Partially obstructing the left lens was a time piece that acted as a mirror when looking through the goggles.)

“This is more a community of people that craft their own pieces of art and come together and show off their gadgets and toys,” Marsh says. “They build these things by themselves. You can’t buy this stuff in the store.”

For those unimaginative, these things actually can be bought online from websites like Etsy and eBay, but as Marsh says, most of the fun comes from creating them yourself.

“It’s gratifying knowing you can take stuff that you know throughout the years as an artist and a crafter and transform it,” he says. “We don’t plan these out; we let them build themselves.”

The culture and its ephemera are steeped in alternative history, allowing its followers to create their own twist on the past. Neo-Victorian fashion and sci-fi themes play into that allurement as well. Steampunk attire includes items like the aforementioned goggles along with top hats, frocks and corsets, but Marsh says anything goes, “as long as it looks cool.”

Innovation reigns supreme here — there’s no set definition of what this semi-fabricated era in fashion actually is. It’s constantly evolving.

“[Milwaukee’s steampunk scene] is still underground. It’s waiting for the moment to make that cusp,” Marsh says.

Marsh hopes he can spark the city’s scene and make this gathering an annual event, because nerds need somewhere to assemble and show off their creativity. This will be the place.

Marsh and a band of performers are putting together an eclectic show this Thursday at Hyde Bar, 906 S. Barclay St. The SteamPunk Victorian Ball starts at 9 p.m. and features the storytelling troupe Absinthe Minded Professors, the Celtic band Water Street Bridge, a performance by Erik Bang!!! and more. As an extra incentive, costumed attendees get in the door for $10 instead of $13.