But, as Lui shares, the road to this opportunity has been far from smooth. They speak candidly about the isolating nature of pole dancing and the personal toll of committing to an art form that is generally practiced alone. Layered into this are the internal tensions of the practice itself, including debates around presentation, standards, and the contentious politics of heels.
Lui has an energetic, warm presence on stage. I have seen plenty of pole dancing, and being able to tell a story while actively executing an array of tricks and transitions, including spinning with legs wrapped tightly to the pole, is no mean feat. But it is not just Lui who gets twisted around a pole. There is some audience participation involved that is fully consensual and spirited, that pulls the crowd into the performance as it blurs the line between spectacle and shared experience.
Lui smoothly weaves routines that directly mirror the ideas they are sharing. A guided deep-breathing session turns into a bedtime sequence that leads into a calming pole act, with fluid movement and controlled strength. Elsewhere, the energy shifts, becoming more playful and provocative, with choreography that is teasing, well-structured, and confident in its restraint.
Each number comes with a unique concept and mood, with effective lighting changes, and costuming that is well paired with the music genres selected. A standout includes a cheeky nod towards Lui's Asian-Canadian identity in a stereotypical sexy high school uniform to the classic 80s song "Black Velvet" by Canadian singer Alannah Myles, a combination that perfectly captures the show’s ability to balance absurdity, sensuality, and charm.
There are numerous compelling ideas and themes raised throughout The Pole Shebang, including the role gender plays within the pole dancing community, the lived reality of being an Asian pole dancer, and the loneliness and difficulties that have accompanied her on this journey. These are genuinely fascinating threads as they are not topics we often, if ever, get to see explored in this context.
At times, however, the show seems to skim the surface of these ideas. Pushing more thoroughly into these themes, especially the intersections of identity, competition, and isolation, would give us a richer sense of Lui’s perspective and insight. A deeper dive would not only strengthen the emotional impact but also make the routines more charged, giving the physical feats a sharper narrative edge.
The Pole Shebang is both a display of extraordinary talent and an exploration of the complexities, challenges, and joys of the craft. While some themes could be developed further, Lui's daring athleticism, sharp humour, and thoughtful storytelling delivers a dynamic, engaging, and meticulously crafted performance.
SHOW DETAILS
Venue: The MC Showroom, Level 1, 50 Clifton St. Prahran
Season: until 25 January | Tues, Thurs - Sat 8pm, Sun 6pm
Duration: 60 minutes
Tickets: $34.50 Full | $24.50 Conc
Bookings: Midsumma Festival
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