A fading neighbourhood will be transformed into a magical world of music and reckless abandon in the world premiere of 'Pigalle'.
Playing as part of the 2019 Sydney Festival, 'Pigalle' is a unique combination of cabaret, circus, burlesque and discotheque; and features a stellar cast of performers including music legend Marcia Hines.
As ticket holders eagerly await the new festival season, Director Craig Ilott chats to scenestr about what viewers can expect from 'Pigalle'.
What sorts of themes are explored within the show?
Belonging, self-acceptance, redemption.
'Pigalle' is set in a fading Parisian neighbourhood – why was this location chosen as the shows setting and what relevance does it have to the storyline?
It was proposed by our producer Peter Rix. I should say at the outset that 'Pigalle' is not a musical and there isn’t a story as such, but I have taken it as a state of mind. A foreign city, rain soaked streets, an endless nightlife with a Parisian edge to the fading glamour – a red light district, neon soaked alleyways. A city to get lost in or a place of reinvention – take your pick!
Given its setting and burlesque/cabaret inspired performances can we expect some sultry costumes and stage designs?
James Browne is weaving his costume design magic here again. We’ve done four or five shows together and his work grows stronger, clearer and more provocative. Matt Marshall is the Lighting Designer. We’ve done more shows than there are years in his life. We are sick of each other. He is brilliant.
The show is described as a 'fusion of burlesque, circus and discotheque' – why did you choose to use these three very distinct performance styles?
Variety is the spice of life! I’m going to propose three different ways to articulate the above styles. How about provocation, flesh, athleticism, artistry and life-affirming music?!
Image © Daniel Linnet
Does each style represent a lesson or emotion in the story of 'Pigalle'? How are these lessons/emotions portrayed?
That’s a really interesting question. I always strive to create shows that work on multiple levels (strive being the operative word). Especially these type of variety shows with a visual musical journey. The best type of work has these dimensions. On one level people should be struck by the sheer entertainment of the surface level but for the seekers among us, they hopefully can pick up on something a little deeper – a more cohesive show with themes and a journey. So I can tie in themes of abandon, power, grace, escape and love through the artistry of burlesque, circus and the disco canon. Gee that sounds wanky, but I believe, I believe! Delve into the lyrics of disco – I dare you. I find great stories and themes of abandon, escape and empowerment.
'Pigalle' features an incredible cast of international performers including Marcia Hines, cabaret star iOTA and Burlesque sensation Kitty Bang Bang – what is it like working with such a diversely talented group of people?
Inspiring. Liberating. Exciting. But, most importantly, I love how they fire off each other’s diverse talent. I mean they literally cheer each other on! I should also say they are only three of an outstanding cast. E.g Seeing Waangenga Blanco dancing up close will be worth the price of admission alone.
The show also boasts a soundtrack of '70s classics – what are some of the songs we can expect to hear and why were they chosen for the soundtrack?
I’m not giving too much away! 'Street Life', 'I Want Your Love', 'Stomp', 'Love To Love You Baby', 'Bad Girls', 'Lost In Music', 'You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)', 'Ain’t Nobody' …The list goes on.
As the show's Director, what feelings and emotions do you hope to inspire in your audience? Is there a particular lesson you hope the audience can take away from 'Pigalle’?
Dance to your own tune. Finding the courage to be yourself as a way to true belonging.
'Pigalle' will make its world premiere at the 2019 Sydney Festival, are there plans to bring the show to other states?
We hope Sydney will be the first stop of many.
