In their own words, strippers speak, carnies chat, and dancers dare to share. The group show Seen & Heard aims to share intimate stories from performers who have spent their careers entertaining under the cover of their on stage persona.
Playing at the beautiful Butterfly Club in Melbourne, this cabaret variety show features a rotating list of Melbourne performers of all types. Our session featured musician Mojo Juju and burlesque performers Becky Lou, Tina Del Twist, Jessamae St. James, and Frankie Valentine.
Combining storytelling and vaudeville, Seen & Heard features a variety of artists who all have one thing in common: they perform on stage for audiences. This show is quite unlike their regular shows though. Each act begins with an extravagant, sometimes humorous performance followed by quite deep and personal true tales of their lives behind the limelight. Some of these stories were truly touching and added another layer to the performance aspect of the show.
Mojo Juju particularly impressed us. Based in Melbourne, this blues and rock musician is well worth checking out for a solo show. While the show was not the full-blown cabaret performance we were expecting, we did leave the show with a newfound appreciation and perspective of the lives of entertainers and what goes on behind the red curtains.
With a rotating list of Melbourne performers of all types, the stories will always be fresh and different. Come for the glitz and glam and leave with a few deep thoughts.
– Tomas
Tomas Zagoda is a filmmaker, writer, coffee addict and tall person who does not play basketball. You can follow him @TomasZagoda.
Seen & Heard has a series of shows as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival at The Butterfly Club. Tickets can be purchased at the door, though bookings are recommended.
