A cabaret that evokes discussion about sex, in a venue at the end of a Melbourne laneway with its cocktail bar full of conversation-starting kitsch, Petra Elliot is back in Petrasexual at The Butterfly Club for a limited season from 2 November 2016.
The pairing of venue and performance is a perfect adventure for those on a first date, or wanting a memorable night out with friends. And for those visiting Melbourne for the Spring Racing Carnival, it’s also a great opportunity to get a taste of what the Melbourne arts scene has to offer.
Petrasexual examines a society which often has a narrow definition of sexuality, gender and ‘acceptable behaviour’. Through a hilarious and emotive narrative, Petra reflects on her own less-than-romantic experiences that led to an understanding that everyone’s got their something. At times raw and emotive, it’s also a clever and funny perspective on society that leaves you with a sense of empowerment and pride in your sexuality.
With cheeky covers, powerful parodies, and some twisted interpretations of pop, blues and funk, Petrasexual is a saucy cabaret that looks at feminism, equality and fantasy and many more issues that just get in the way of people having a mutually consensual good time.
Featuring a reverse strip tease to Thicke’s controversial Blurred Lines, Petra instead advocates for enthusiastic consent and dismisses the victim blaming within the media and justice system. It also includes her parody of Pharrell Williams‘ Happy. The Marry Happy film clip reached over 10,000 views in 5 days, and invites Australians to clap along in support of marriage equality in Australia.
Ruth Wallis, Kristy MacColl, Beyoncé and Machine Gun Fellatio songs also get given the Petrasexual treatment. Presented as part of The Butterfly Club 2016 Curated Spring Season, Petrasexual is a journey of discovering, redefining and truly accepting your own unique brand of sexuality (and everyone else’s), whichever box you put yourself in.
Petra Elliott is a creator and performer in the award winning Night Terrace – an award winning sci-fi comedy audio series now in to its second season. She’s also a co-host of the ‘Smash Hit’ Doctor Who podcast Splendid Chaps, and plays Jade Novak in the upcoming TV series Sonnigsburg. Petra is also a core performer in the improvised puppet comedy The Mighty Little Puppet Show (MICF, Melbourne Fringe).
Petrasexual debuted for a limited season in 2014 at Kado Warehouse in Richmond. With soulful piano by Adam Rudegeair (The Bowie Project, Lake Minnetonka), who has provided musical direction in both seasons, Petrasexual now welcomes Ben Christensen (Frankie Wants Out, The Bird Conference) to the trio on double bass.
Paired with a bespoke cocktail inspired by the show and crafted by The Butterfly Club’s incredible team, Petrasexual is a smart, sexy and sensational night out for one, two, three or more … there’s no judgement here.
Petrasexual
The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Lane, Melbourne
Season: 2 – 6 November 2016
Bookings: www.thebutterflyclub.com
For more information, visit: www.petraelliott.com for details.
Image: Petra Elliot stars in Petrasexual – photo by Alison Hoelzer