Mammalian

‘Mammalian, a cabaret in 22 Acts’ by Demelza Rogers, Joe Lui and Paul Grabovac is staged by Renegade Productions at the Deck rehearsal studio (NOT Nexus), adjoining car park 4 at Murdoch University. It is showing at 8.00pm. until the 22^nd December.

You are led into a dimly lit barn where there are three stages set-up around the cabaret style seating – drinks at sensible prices. Soon you find yourself transported back to a sleazy, downmarket nightclub in war time Berlin. The compere (Paul Grabovac?) growls out the acts and almost dares you not to enjoy the acts.

For about 80 minutes you become part of the show. Although being seated in the audience, you can see behind the set, into the dressing rooms, you are omnipresent whilst the semi-drunk and drugged performers live their working lives. You get a real insight to their personal histories. There is a deviant hermaphrodite, a snake woman, a flagellation which left real welts, an abortion - yes this show was not for the faint of heart.

As you will gather, this is not a rehash of Liza Minelli’s ‘Cabaret’ but probably nearer the ABC’s ‘Carnivale’ series. 100% must be given to the cast for their courage and approach to this VERY difficult subject. Unfortunately, possible due to the age, at times I found the girls to be ‘nice girls’ trying to be naughty. The nastiness of the real prostitutes that would be employed in these places of entertainment would have been as rough as guts.  No acting credits were given, but special praise to the flagellating pole climber and the small blonde alcoholic.

The excellent atmosphere was thanks to Megan Vanderheyden’s set and Joe Lui’s lighting. The Burlesque costumes were well thought-out.

A very clever show in which everyone tried new ideas, most of which came off. You come out wondering are the performers the real depraved, or is it the audience who went to see such shows?

I think Joe Lui, given the chance, could develop into another Baz Luhrmann. The house of 100 was packed, so be early for this experience.