Diary of A Sideshow Showgirl | Adelaide Fringe 2022 review

Aleksandra the Great goes on a journey in the arts industry dealing with topics like fat-phobia, suicide and sexual assault.

Diary Of A Sideshow Showgirl.

Diary of A Sideshow Showgirl

Theatre and Physical Theatre

Rating: ***

Main Stage at Arthur Artbar

Until March 13

Through a conversational monologue, performer Aleksandra the Great obliterates the fourth wall and takes the audience through an arduous journey in the arts industry.

The result is a show which blurs the line between person and artist, leaving viewers unsure of where the performance begins and ends.

In a mix of theatre, cabaret, and gruesome sideshow stunts, the 55-minute act deals with a series of heavy topics including fat-phobia, suicide and sexual assault.

Despite the tough appearance Aleksandra the Great builds throughout the show, they deliver an endearing performance, an amazing achievement for their solo Fringe debut.

At times the show does feel rushed, with constant costume changes often distracting from the heavy themes being discussed.

The most powerful moment of the performance comes in the final moments. Aleksandra the Great removes their make-up and is still. The audience is able to breathe and take in the weight of their experiences.