In 2013, I had the good fortune of working front of
house when Spiegelword brought its show Empire to Melbourne’s
Crown Casino. I was able to repeatedly watch a variety of world-class
artists performing in some highly skillful and often death-defying acts, which
also proved to be an exhilarating experience for audience members. Fast forward
three years and Spiegelworld have returned their spiegeltent to the Crown
Casino rooftop with Absinthe.
Inspired by cabarets of late-19th century Europe, Absinthe is a variety of burlesque,
circus, song and dance that will appeal to everyone. Given the theme of the
show and the physique and strengths of the performers, there is also quite a
bit of flesh on display and plenty of sexual innuendo and some not so subtle
sexual humour by the hosts, The Gazillionaire and his sidekick Penny Pibbets.
Now I understand that given the nature of the show,
there is a need to be cheeky and funny and even controversial but the hosts
lacked the warmth and the familiarity that was accomplished so well by the hosts
in Empire. It led to some highly awkward moments, such as pulling two
male members out of the audience and having them give a lap dance to a female
audience member. It was extremely uncomfortable to watch as these men took off
their clothes and shook their ass in a woman’s face and touching her.
Fortunately for everyone involved, it went smoothly but looking around the
audience, there were clearly a number of people who did not find this funny in
the slightest.
The acts themselves however were mesmerising and
frightening at the same time. Los Dos Tacos (Belarus duo Aliasandra Yurkavets
and Andrei Sizonenka) and their parallel bars act was by far the highlight of
the evening, performing tricks where landing even a centimeter off would have
proved disastrous for them and quite possible for the audience. Another
favourite was the Duo Strap dance routine by Americans Jacob Oberman and
Maika Isogawa; creating a moment that allowed our hearts to stop racing so fast
but displayed some beautiful moments on stage with their aerial ballet.
Sadly, the high wire finale by The Frat Pack lacked the
suspense and the wow factor required to end the night on a high. There were
stronger, more thrilling acts that were performed earlier in the evening that
would have been more suited for the finale spot.
Although it’s no Empire, Absinthe still
manages to amaze and leave you gasping with your mouth hanging open. These are
performers who are at the top of their game and it is probably one of the few
chances you'll ever get to see them perform. Despite its flaws and faults, Absinthe
is still a highlight of the year so far.
Venue: Rooftop at Crown Casino, Southbank, 3006.
Season: Until 17 May
Tickets: From $56.07 to $157
* Original review appeared on Theatre Press on 29 April.
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