Dangerous Goods

Safety has never been sexier in this explosive cabaret.

Welcome to the incendiary world of Dangerous Goods, a cabaret that defies convention and sparks a revolution within the glittering realm of the performing arts. Produced by the performance collective Polytoxic and presented by QPAC, this cabaret is a fearless exploration of provocative performances, jaw-dropping physical feats, and powerful acts. As you step into this incendiary cabaret, prepare for a night that challenges norms, celebrates diversity, and ignites the stage.

Directed, created, and conceived by the feminist fireballs Lisa Fa’alafi and Leah Shelton, this cabaret transcends boundaries, seamlessly blending circus, aerials, drag, burlesque, and powerful vocals. The performance is not just a spectacle; it's a statement, a journey into the uncharted territories of societal norms and expectations.

Dangerous Goods features an exceptional cast. Performing alongside the powerhouse pair Fa’alafi and Shelton, are Kalala Sione, Lilikoi Kaos, Mayu Muto, Bridie Hooper. Each night is also complimented with a selection of guest artists. On the night I attended, I had the pleasure of witnessing the Jazida's fiery sorcery with twirling flames and Rina's enchanting vocals. The cast's performances are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Each act is a testament to the performers' strength, flexibility, and theatrical ingenuity, adding layers of diversity and a unique flavor to the cabaret.

A stand out moment in the cabaret was Shelton’s latex performance. In it, she sheds layers of societal expectations of femininity to celebrate the human body, questioning the true audience of such performances. Her powerful presence in the cabaret underscores her ability to question, celebrate, and transcend the female body.

Likewise, Hooper’s circus pieces showcase her mastery of complex wraps, holds, and transitions. Her cinderblock performance was tantalizing. Merging feats of strength and flexibility, her performances challenge traditional forms and gendered expectations. Who would have thought dancing with a cinderblock could be so sultry and so powerful?

From the beginning, the first dance number featuring an array of sultry safety wear that glows under UV lights sets the tone for a night where every moment is a surprise, and every act is a revelation. Throughout the show, the performers’ vibrant energy is infectious, making the audience feel they are not just a spectator but an active participant. In particular, the clever division of the crowd into teams – Highly Flammable, High Voltage, and Slippery When Wet (represent!) – adds a layer of engagement that is both entertaining and immersive. The costumes in "Dangerous Goods" are a feast for the eyes, ranging from a 1950s housewife to a leather-clad mistress, each costume telling a story of power, rebellion, and resilience. The goddess ballgowns, reminiscent of molten lava and scorched deserts, showcase a meticulous attention to detail.

Steven May's lighting design also deserves special mention for its ability to enhance the performers' power without overshadowing the acts. During Rina’s piece, the transition between sultry blues, purples, and divine bronze and gold creates a mesmerizing visual tapestry.

Lisa Fa’alafi and Leah Shelton, the creative forces behind this audacious production, have crafted a show that not only entertains but challenges societal norms. Dangerous Goods is more than a cabaret; it's a movement, a celebration of feminism, climate change activism, and a fierce stance against the fetishization of culture and the shackles of patriarchy. The seamless integration of diverse acts underlines a vision that goes beyond the ordinary, pushing the boundaries of what cabaret can be.

Dangerous Goods fearlessly confronts a myriad of pressing social justice issues head-on, delving into the complexities of feminism, climate change, capitalism, patriarchy, fetishization of culture, colonization, and infantilization. It is a tour de force of feminist cabaret, challenging norms, breaking stereotypes, and celebrating the diverse voices that often go unheard. The show, however, is not a somber lecture but a captivating exploration that cleverly dresses these weighty themes in the alluring garb of titillation. Through a provocative blend of performance art and entertainment, the production succeeds in shedding light on these crucial topics, encouraging reflection and dialogue while maintaining an engaging and visually stunning theatrical experience.

As the performers take the stage, wielding power and agency, the audience is invited to join a dance of collective liberation. This is not just a show; it's a call to ignite the Dangerous Goods within us and, in doing so, change the world.

Rebecca Lynne

Tickets: https://www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2024/dangerous-goods

Photographer: Jade Ellis