By Darby Turnbull
For the next few weeks Footscray local and Award-Winning Cabaret Performer Miss Friby is hosting a soiree for the lost, confused and discontented at Bluestone Church Arts Space.
Beasts of Burden invites its audience to sit with whatever baggage they’re bringing into the space and Miss Friby’s one woman variety show is an excellent acid tonic for our troubled times and turbulent weather. Combining the showomanship of Carmen Miranda and madcap energy of Lucille Ball, Miss Friby gives us a showgirl dancing on the edge of the abyss with manic abandon with the beast inside her (and us) ready to roar. A brilliant physical comedian possessed with a gravelly, worldly belt; Miss Friby makes for an irresistible albeit slightly terrifying ringleader. There’s a delectable sense of danger about where the show might go and the audiences place within it but her experience and presence reassure us that safe hands are wielding the whip.
The Professional mayhem of the two-part performance is a testament to the creative innovation of the entire team, Fiona Scott Norman (Director), Meg Hickey (Collaborator) and Daniel Annakis work in perfect synergy. Miss Friby looks divine in her enviable array of costumes and looks that blend traditional showgirl aesthetics with humorous touches.
Set on a narrow catwalk within the cavernous Bluestone Church the audience is snugly tucked onto both sides with no choice but to get on board. The reserved but willing attendants on opening night were mostly game, and Miss Friby is engaging enough to keep proceedings moving without too much awkwardness. I can imagine each performance will be different based on the collective energy; if they’re able to rise to Miss Friby’s level the atmosphere will be electric!
Beasts is supported by Maribyrnong City Council’s Artist Residency Program which provides an essential platform for local artists to build their practice and develop new work. In its current iteration Beasts offers a relishing insight into the places the piece might go in future seasons or iterations; an audience is essential for an artist to workshop ideas; thankfully the production and performer are so dazzling that we don’t feel like we’re being ‘tried on’.
If you’re local there’s no excuse to miss her, if you’re not it’s well worth the trek!
Beasts of Burden and other Party Guests is playing at Bluestone Church Arts Space until June 21.
