Lucy Lawless in "Xena: Warrior Princess." (MCA Television)
Although the series has been gone from syndication for more than a decade, “Xena: Warrior Princess” is still remembered for its feisty feminism and scantily clad leading ladies Lucy Lawless and Renee O’Connor – as well as the lesbian undertones that always added some pop-culture crackle to the show and stirred fan debates that still continue. The series unquestionably paved the way for more emotionally and physically powerful television heroines, and this weekend, around 500 fans of the show are expected to gather for the 16th Official Xena Convention: The XVI Celebration, which kicks off Friday at the Los Angeles Marriot Convention Center near LAX.
Expect an abundance of bare midriffs, thigh-high boots and leather bustiers along with celebrity panels, yoga workshops and photo-ops galore. Gary Berman, co-CEO of Creation Entertainment, who produces the event and other sci-fi and fantasy conventions, insists that the biggest draw for attendees is the convention’s atmosphere. “It’s a fandom family reunion,” he says.
Stars from the series including O’Connor, Ted Raimi, Claire Stansfield, Michael Hurst and Jennifer Ward-Lealand are scheduled to appear throughout the weekend.
“The audience has gotten somewhat smaller over the years because every year you go further away from the actual show being on the air,” Berman says. “The fandom dissipates a little bit, but it remains strong and those that do come really have that connection. It’s the same with all the shows we work with.”
Tickets are $30 for a single-day general admission pass, $49 for single-day reserved pass, and $89 for a weekend general admission pass. Advance sales are over; tickets are available only at the door.
– Casey Chan
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In my humble opinion, XWP is the greatest TV show ever made. The first epic saga created in the best tradition of ancient mythology. Fortunately, the show ain't cut out for a typical couch-potato because XWP does really make people's minds churn. No question that a lot of big films and other shows have been enabled and influenced by Xena. It's also obvious that Xena's sublime greatness has transcended all boundaries and borders. The 16th Convention is a briliant evidence that the show is one of the most amazing things ever happened to the fans. Thanks to Lucy Lawless' and Renee O'Connor's unearthly talent and unforgettable performance XWP will always be a prime example of television at its best.