Presented in a development season in November last year, the new Skylark: A Contorted Cabaret will be staged on March 21 and 22 at Errick’s, as part of the Dunedin Fringe Festival.
At the heart of the show will be former Moscow Circus performer Genia Collings, who performs aerials and teaches contortion through Brophy Aerials classes.
Brophy Aerials founder and director Rochelle Brophy said contortion had become a popular part of the school’s offering, and was great for helping students develop flexibility and strength, as well as a high level of body awareness.
In the return season of Skylark, there will be several contortionists performing alongside displays of aerial skills, song, dance, comedy and live music. MC for the cabaret will be Paul Smith.
"From the moment people walk in the door, people will be surrounded by a variety of dazzling performers," Brophy said.
Having spent five years working as a show girl in cabaret shows in Australia, Japan and New Caledonia, Brophy was delighted to have the opportunity to "bring back that 1920s glamour" in her own production.
"A fun part of that glamour is the costumes, and I have been having a lot of fun working on those for Skylark," she said.
"We have some amazing performers taking part, presenting spectacular aerials and contortion, alongside special guests like actors Zac Henry and Matt Brennan — who will do some clowning for us."
Another joyful aspect of the show had been working with the talented young musicians who would come together to perform classic cabaret songs live throughout the show, including local singer Sophie McCarlie and her own daughter Jakira Brophy, who had just completed the Six60 Scholarship, she said.
"They are a very talented bunch of young people, and it is very special to get to work with them on the show.
"We have such amazing talent here in Dunedin, so it’s great to be able to showcase it."
