Show Business

"Show Business" by Boyd Ellanby is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. Set on the Moon and Mars, the narrative humorously explores the world of interplanetary entertainment and the eccentric characters involved in it, particularly focusing on a Venusian named Dworken and his outrageous venture into showbusiness with Martian performers. The tale captures the contrast between the mundane life of travelers and the vibrant, albeit absurd, world of alien variety shows. The story follows the protagonist as he meets Dworken, who is anxiously preparing for the opening of a new show featuring Martian dancers and vaudeville acts. As Dworken shares his outlandish anecdotes about traveling through the Martian landscape in search of talent, the reader is drawn into an amusing tale replete with cultural curiosities, misunderstandings, and humorous twists about the nature of performance art. The climax reveals a farcical twist about the supposed talking animals in the act, encapsulating the story's charm in highlighting the bizarre and whimsical side of showbusiness in a science fiction setting.