Search

Saved articles

You have not yet added any article to your bookmarks!

Browse articles

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

Torte e Mort: Songs of Cake and Death

 
Laurie Black Review by Laurie Black 4 Published: 24 Aug 2016 Assembly George Square Theatre Show Dates: 4 Aug 2016-29 Aug 2016

In a little circus salon tent named ‘The Omnitorium’ tucked away behind George Square Theatre, Anya Anastasia proves that she is a force to be reckoned with. Packing her show full of music, UV lights, skeletons, shadow puppetry and even some naked ukulele playing, Torte e Morte: Songs of Cake and Death pushes the boundaries of cabaret, music, theatre and burlesque (even though she doesn’t do burlesque).

Torte e Morte proves to be a whirlwind of avant-garde entertainment. You’ll laugh, you’ll scowl, you’ll gasp.

Anya, joined by drummer Agnus Croudace and backing vocalist Claire Gawne, makes commendable use of costumes and characters. Dressed up as Marie Antoinette, with 100” hips, singing songs about having ones head chopped off and eating cake, with a prop bag full to the brim of innovative ideas, Torte e Morte proves to be a whirlwind of avant-garde entertainment. You’ll laugh, you’ll scowl, you’ll gasp.

With female vocals, a piano and a drum-kit, lyrics and melodies are quirky with a Dresden Doll-esque flair. A show that goes above and beyond the call of duty, Anya even plays piano whilst wearing elbow-high opera gloves, and whilst taking them off too. Original song Off With Your Head played on ukulele is a highlight.

The costumes and characters are arguably a little gimmicky, hiding behind masquerades of dead monarchs and monsters. An original song about self-loathing, masked in a revealing red catsuit with devil horns, becomes the most real and authentic song of the show. After gorging ourselves on cake, we are lead to think about our own mortality and happiness.

The true meaning of fringe cabaret and variety, Torte e Morte: Songs of Cake and Death is an innovative display of ‘it’s my show, anything goes!’. Particularly recommended for fans of Emilie Autumn and The Dresden Dolls, but genuinely to be enjoyed by all. An awe-inspiring parade of blood, sweat and tears - and cake. Get ready to lose your head.

Related to this article:

Location:

Performances

The Blurb:

Lose your head over Australian rising cabaret superstar Anya Anastasia! Black-humoured, visually opulent and dripping with satire, this award-winning cabaret show will tempt your sweet tooth and traumatize your funny bone. Follow the life, death and hilarious self-realisations of Marie Antoinette. Featuring exquisite original songs, extraordinary vocals, mesmerizing ukulele, circus trickery and diabolical keyboards. This is danger and delight in a world of extremes. 'This is Fringe at its wild and spunky best' (Sunday Mail). Winner: Best Cabaret Adelaide Fringe Weekly Award 2016. 'Sidesplittingly hilarious' **** (RipItUp.com.au). #madeinadelaide