Burlesque, circus, sideshow and dance – 'SMUT' is a performance on a mission.
Groundbreaking production 'SMUT' will captivate Adelaide Fringe audiences with an eclectic blend of art forms, setting out to platform, prioritise and celebrate the diverse artistry of the sex worker (SW) community.
'SMUT' introduces a non-negotiable tipping culture, where 'SMUT''s own tipping dollars are included in the ticket price, serving as direct support for the performers.
The show is a loud, proud embodiment of queer-centric, radical self-expression and storytelling, paying deep respect to the trailblazers who came before and paving the way for the future.
Audience can expect to see performers Themme Fatale, Bella de Jac, Jada, Imogen Kelly, Kitty Obsidian, Jemmb0t, Whisky Falls, Moisty Magic, Elle Diablo, Strawberry Siren, Ugliest Hottie, and Juniper Fox.
Here, Performer/Producer Juniper Fox tells us more about 'SMUT' and its offering for Adelaide Fringe audiences in 2024.
This show is on a mission. Tell us a bit about what it’s celebrating.
Our mission is to showcase, platform, prioritise, and celebrate performers within the sex work industry – a celebration of rebellion, queerness, and liberation. This industry is tethered within the historical fabric of classic burlesque and our modern-day striptease. We honour and celebrate the women in history who pioneered, allowing us to do what we do in various spaces, venues, and clubs within an industry historically stigmatised. We celebrate the immense privilege of putting on a show of this nature, supported and celebrated by an audience that may not necessarily frequent strip clubs. Our mission extends into curating a diverse cast of BIPOC, gender bending, disabled individuals, unapologetic queerness, and the unique skills of our performers.
Image © Alexis Lea Photography
Can you give us some insight into some of the performers?
Our cast features a diverse and passionate group of bold performers hailing from Naarm, including local favourites and renowned Australian icons like Imogen Kelly and Strawberry Siren, Naarm favourite Themme Fatale (host), Kitty Obsidian, and Bella de Jac and local standout Moisty Magic. The excitement doesn't end there – with a rotating cast of 12 performers across 6 shows, each performance promises a unique experience (yes, you can attend multiple of the same show). These performers are actively or were previously involved in various aspects of the SW industry, showcasing the broad spectrum of experiences within this work. From circus and dance to burlesque and sideshow, the variety of skills on display is truly astounding.
Why did you decide to create a show surrounding this?
We designed this show with the goal of fostering community, pushing the boundaries of traditional stage production, and introducing a unique tipping culture to the theatre, a concept quite distinctive in Australia. This aspect is a significant part of 'SMUT', contributing to why many people find the experience so enjoyable. As part of the 'SMUT' experience, a predetermined amount of tips is included in your tickets, compelling you to shower your favourite performers with appreciation. We encourage the optional purchase of extra dollars, especially after the exhilarating rush of tossing cash at a performer (if you know, you know). Our aim is to showcase strip club performers, some of the best in the country, on stage to be witnessed and appreciated by our actively engaged audience. We often hear attendees express, "It's amazing to be surrounded by my people". The collective energy is beautiful, creating a sense of healing when the SW community comes together.
Image © Alexis Lea Photography
What has been the best part about putting it all together?
The most rewarding aspect of assembling 'SMUT' has been the overwhelming support from the community. The abundance of “thank you”s and feedback expressing the need for more shows like this has been truly staggering. Naarm over the years has had many curated SW-centric events in which 'SMUT' drew inspiration from. Witnessing the audience's faces light up as they generously tip, coupled with the appreciation and fervor of the performers, adds an electrifying energy to the experience. Moreover, we allocate a portion of our proceeds to local and Australia-wide SW support organisations, emphasising our commitment to giving back to the community that has embraced and supported us.
What’s been the biggest challenge?
Online censorship is a persistent challenge in marketing our show. Despite no explicit nudity in our content, the essence of the show is often flagged. Produced independently, our reliance on word of mouth has proven to be our strongest ally. This grassroots support has enabled us to sell out four Melbourne shows in a flash, contributing directly to funding our tour to Adelaide that same year.
Why is ’SMUT’ a perfect show for a festival like Adelaide Fringe?
When we asked on Instagram, "Why do you love 'SMUT' the show?" our standout response was, "Adelaide should be so lucky!" We aim to infuse a distinct energy on to the stage, promoting tipping and challenging the traditional performer-audience relationship. While Adelaide Fringe boasts diverse offerings, we aspire to contribute an extra layer to the experience. To create ties with other SW-centric productions in Adelaide such as 'Hell In Heels', broadening our community.
Image © Alexis Lea Photography
What sorts of conversations are you hoping it strikes up for audiences?
The boundaries that might exist between sex work and performance art further break down, becoming fluid. Conversations about the industry become less stigmatised, although progress has been made over the years, there is still a long way to go. This is especially true for individuals within BIPOC minority groups, where struggles persist. Queerness within sex work, initially perceived as a very cis-het-male-centric industry, is also being challenged.
Sell the show in three words.
Empowering, rebellious and bold.
'SMUT' plays My Lover Cindi 16,18 February, The Vault at Fool's Paradise 17 February, and The Roundabout at Fool's Paradise 1-3 March (Adelaide Fringe).
