Polytoxic will divide audiences in Demolition

Some people will cheer while others may cringe as Brisbane outfit Polytoxic takes a blowtorch to contemporary society with dance numbers and a cast in high vis vests, writes Phil Brown.

Much-loved collective Polytoxic is back with Demolition, a combination of cabaret, theatre and social activism. as part of this year’s Brisbane Festival.

The Brisbane Festival is a broad church and local company Polytoxic’s show Demolition proves that. Of course that “broad church” descriptor was oft used by former Prime Minister John Howard to describe the Liberal Party.

I can’t believe I’m quoting John Howard here because he’s the sort of bloke who is the target of Demolition, a show that aims to be inclusive but in the process points the finger at people like him. And, presumably, me.

There’s a great line in Seinfeld where Russell, the NBC boss is trying to woo Elaine and she says to him ... “I mean, come on Russell, you’re part of the problem.”

It seems we are all part of the problem according to Polytoxic who deliver a 75 minute diatribe against mainstream Australian society and toxic masculinity, racism, white privilege and just about everything else you care to imagine. This is very much social activism theatre and it is all done to funky music and gyrations performed in high vis gear. Because the set is a demolition site set up in the Powerhouse Theatre at Brisbane Powerhouse.

High vis hijinks in Demolition at Brisbane Festival

It’s actually a very clever metaphor and a cool set that worked a treat, to a point. The show started brilliantly but as the barrage of lecturing and hectoring gained momentum it descended into a kind of organised chaos. Mind you that’s their shtick I guess.

Polytoxic is run by Lisa Fa’alafi (Boss Bitch in this show) and Leah Shelton (Slippery When Wert as she’s called in Demolition) and they are at the cutting edge constantly. Their talented and diverse cast underlines their aim to demolish the dominant paradigm and plant the seeds of a new world order where post colonials such as Moi are probably verboten.

I wouldn’t be surprised if, after the show, they all went out and knocked down some statues of Captain Cook.

They sure as hell have a lot of energy and they mix it up with music, dancing, circus (Mayu Muto’s circus act is terrific) and plenty of rapping and spoken word which gets their point across in no uncertain terms. It may be uncomfortable at times for some of us but I guess that’s the point and more power to the Brisbane Festival for allowing these voices to be heard.

Leah Shelton is Demolition

I should add that it’s funny at times too although also befuddling. I couldn’t quite work out why The Jackhammer character (Ghenoa Gela) was trying to drag a car on stage so I’m missing the point the but never mind. Feats of strength are cool.

This challenging show was created by Fa’alafi and Shelton who have a unique place in the local arts landscape. Their idea to create this demolition site on stage was quite brilliant and I will underline again what a terrific idea that was and it gives them latitude to have a lot of fun with this clever three dimensional metaphor. And how often do you see high vis on stage? Like, never?

Their intention, from the outset was to “blow shit up” and ladies and gentlemen, they certainly do that. I respect that. I mean hell, I once worked as a powder monkey’s assistant (true story) so I’m down with that.

DEMOLITION is on at Brisbane Powerhouse until Saturday

brisbanefestival.com.au