Monday, 16 September 2019

Dazza and Keif Go Viral in Space with Ya Mum - Melbourne Fringe Festival review

As a child, you're always told to dream big. Well for two boys in Craigieburn, their dream is pretty much as big as it gets. Created and performed by Danni Ray and Keely Windred, Dazza and Keif Go Viral in Space With Ya Mum sees the return of Dazza and Keif and the trials and tribulations that come with forever chasing hot chicks, seeking popularity and in this case, a ticket to the moon.

Frustrated with the lack of female talent around, the boys decide to enter the Penetrate the Sky competition to win one of twenty tickets to move to the moon. The result puts a strain on their relationship as they both must come face to face with some truths about themselves and in being honest with each other. The exploration of gender roles and identity through these characters is not only expressed in the story but also with its music and dance, which there is plenty of.

There are numerous wicked choreographed numbers including "I Want You Back" by NSYNC and "Intergalactic" by the Beastie Boys. While they are highly entertaining to watch, the songs are a way for Dazza and Keif to communicate their thoughts and feelings without fear of ridicule or rejection. There's some surprisingly emotional scenes in the show and it's evident how much Ray and Windred have come to understand who these characters are and what drives them since their debut show last year. 

Where their 2018 show may have been more fun and games and less about purpose, with Dazza and Keif Go Viral in Space With Ya Mum, along with their dramaturg Keziah Warner, Windred and Ray create the type of show that is ridiculous and off the rails but has a clear focus. They allow their characters to be free from societal confines while giving them time to figure out who they are in this heteronormative environment.

The days of Dazza and Keif having only one follower on instagram should be short-lived with Dazza and Keif Go Viral in Space With Ya Mum. It's a well-crafted piece of comedy and theatre that is political as much as it is farcical. 

SHOW DETAILS 

Venue: Trades Hall, Cnr Lygon & Victoria Sts, Carlton. 
Season: until 22 September | Tues - Sat 10:00pm, Sun 9:00pm 
Length: 60 minutes 
Tickets: $26 Full | $21 Conc | $20 Cheap Tuesday | $18 Group 6+ 
Bookings: Melbourne Fringe Festival

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