Whether for elephants, or dogs, or humans, grief is part of what makes us who we are. Sometimes it even leads to a fringe show that is an unpredictable blend of unfamiliar folk music, some surprising comedic moments, and a mystery.
For Sh!t Theatre’s Melbourne debut, a large crowd was gathered in the Solidarity Hall – an appropriately named venue given how grief is also something that binds us all together.
Given the early hour, I suspect many (unlike we newbies attracted by the Fringe blurb) were well aware of the act’s exploits. Louise and Rebecca, usually with painted white faces, have been making shows for over a decade, and won various awards, including for Or What’s Left of Us.
However, we were advised that this is a very different outing to previous efforts, one that had the pair wondering aloud if they are still Sh!t Theatre. (This is possibly a nod to the “Ship of Theseus paradox”: if you change all of the parts over time, is this still the same object?)
We were informed that times of uncertainty tend to prompt a revival of folk music. Sh!t Theatre had recently felt its pull, visiting a famous club in West Yorkshire for their first “sing around” (what we might call a singalong). Only a week later, the club of 60-years standing was ash.
Louise and Rebecca wish to solve the mystery. As they embody the folk club’s regulars, and consider their possible motivations for arson, the work finds some of its lighter moments. There’s also some well-placed levity relating to misadventures at a folk festival.
The folk tunes performed for us are mostly about death and grieving, but may also relate to other situations. The duo are accomplished singers who harmonise well and provide appropriately soulful music through guitar or violin.
There was a less obvious motivation for the various reprises of a song about John Barleycorn – the personification of barley, who is “killed” in preparation for making beer. Notably, “But he always comes back.”
Our performers recalled that some of the most beautiful performances in the folk club weren’t professional: “It’s the flaws that make it beautiful”. They compared this with the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with precious metals (Kintsugi). This, and the (very well coordinated) actions that follow, with costumes recalling folklore, make it all seem a bit of a puzzle.
The show has only a four-night run at Melbourne fringe. If you can get along to the last night, which I highly recommend, stop reading. For everyone else in Melbourne, who might never get to see the show, I have a theory.
Barley is reaped, but grows again. A bowl repaired with a noble metal shows its cracks, but retains its original function. The community of a burned-down club finds another home nearby. Acts evolve over time. And, we still have some kind of relationship with our dearly departed after they have left this physical plane. Things change, but an essence remains.
When you join the dots, it comes as something of a slap to the chest. The puzzle of the club arsonist isn’t solved. But the clues scattered in the show indicate that our skilled performers have been specific and precise, much like the nature of grief. They tell us of their own recent experiences towards the end of the show.
Whilst there are some comedic touches in this “theatre” offering, it could be a bit heavy going. But Sh!t Theatre are aware of this. At the conclusion, Rebecca invited us all to their traditional sing around downstairs, described as a post-show “balm”. If there is a return visit, I will be sure to leave more time before the next show of the evening.
Sh!t Theatre: Or What’s Left Of Us
Trades Hall – Solidarity Hall, Corner Lygon and Victoria Streets, Carlton
Performance: Friday 3 October 2025
Season continues to 4 October 2025
Information and Bookings: www.melbournefringe.com.au
Image: Or What’s Left Of Us – photo by Ellie Kurttz
Review: Jason Whyte