Popera: Sex, Death & Politics - The Butterfly Club (VIC)
Presented by Little Train Collective
Opera is cool, sexy and hilarious in this amalgamation of cabaret, classical, and modern divas. With time running out, run to see this unique, bedazzled production.
Reviewed by Matthaios Hortomaris
The Butterfly Club
Dates: Sat 13th July, 7pm
Tickets: Full $39 / Concession $35
Are you a fan of classical opera? No? Well that won’t stop you from enjoying this show, so please read on. Or, even if you are a fan of opera but cannot convince your friends? Then this might be the perfect icebreaker show to convince them. Our host for the night, Uma Dobia, takes us through this one hour game show style performance, with original songs, quiz show with audience participation, and a totally legitimate point scoring system.
Our host pounced on stage full of energy, and ready to ‘serve c*nt’. However, things took a turn for the worse when her assistant/lover Trevor (Lloyd Lohse) broke up with her via video call, and a meltdown ensued.
Dobia was positively electric throughout the entire performance. Her infectious smile radiated throughout the entire audience. Normally with any show that involved audience participation, people are hesitant to put their hands forward. With a show that had three rounds of participation, each with three volunteers, I was concerned about that awkward moment when no one would be willing to join our host on stage. However, Dobia’s charm had the audience chomping at the bit by the third round to join her on stage.
...will at least give you a hint of the European opera culture...with an entertaining twist
Under the direction of Bronny Lane, the songs throughout the night were surprisingly catchy. Lane's direction helped Dobia to show off her chops by mixing both well known pop songs with operatic melodies. These mash-ups served as a fun talking point, comparing Giacomo Puccini’s Turundot to the likes of Madonna and Lizzo. I found it interesting that the plot of the diva has not changed all that much in the last few centuries, which was expertly dissected to comedic effect in the original song “Opera Did The Girls Dirty”. Dobia’s love of opera does not dismiss her critiques on the genres’ tragic female archetypes.
The stage felt like a character in itself. While doubtless a small scale production, the love and care put into the stage was evident. With colourful graphics, a box full of probs, and the contestants bench with buzzers, the stage was teaming and ready to be explored. I would also be remiss not to shout of the playful keyboard player Lucy, who served as a great accompaniment for Dobia’s more manic energy.
While this won’t cure your European FOMO if you’re stuck in gloomy Melbourne, Popera: Sex, Death & Politics will at least give you a hint of the European opera culture to put those blues on hold, with an entertaining twist.
Date: Saturday 13 July 2024 7:00pm
Prices
Full $39
Concession $35
Groups (6+) $31
Members $31
Broke Butterfly $15
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