An amusing and intelligent cabaret comedy show
Reviewed at Gluttony - Masonic Lodge on 16 February 2019
Presented by Anya Anastasia
Anya Anastasia returns to Adelaide with her cutting show The Executioners to the Masonic Lodge as part of this year’s Fringe Festival celebrations.
The Executioners is a witty, satirical show that wraps up a deeper meaning in the overall artistic work. The show begins with a live facetime from Anastasia which lays the groundwork for the rest of the production with regular interferences from her iPhone and an overload of horrible day-to-day news projected rapidly on the backscreen.
Comical music, complete with original songs, carry the emotion, charisma, and humour which are all finely performed. Anastasia’s expressions and acting hit hard while nicely balancing the punchlines and the underlying messages. The spoken word components that join the songs are well-developed and controlled to guide the show.
Anastasia presents a character attempting to find depth, meaning and purpose while a haunting shallowness continues to linger in the character’s actions. It is an entertaining take on the yoga pant wearing millennial keyboard warrior who cares about doing the right thing, like buying the correct toilet paper, and is seen doing even the smallest of kind gestures.
The costuming nicely matches the themes of the overall show. From the detailed superhero head gear, to the bright, white spandex outfit, each piece flowed well and altered in smooth transitions.
Anastasia’s character had fun, faux banter with her stage partner and fellow musician Gareth Chin. The deliberate moments of ignorance and entitlement are a harsh critique of social attitudes of people in positions of comfortable privilege.
Both Anastasia and Chin are talented musicians and performers. Their strong vocals and playful approach to their lines are enjoyable to watch. They put on a compelling and approachable production, particularly considering the sharp critique of attitudes generally, and even in regards to the involvement of putting on a festival show.
Anya Anastasia’s The Executioners is an overall amusing and intelligent cabaret comedy show.
Reviewed by Alex Dunkin
Twitter: @AlexDunkin
Venue: Phoenix Room at Gluttony — Masonic Lodge
Season: 16th Feb – 3rd March 2019
Duration: 60 mins
Tickets: $23.25 – $30.00
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