MZAZA had some challenges to overcome in this performance of “world music” songs. As noted at previous fringes (such as for Joyride) if poor-quality sound isn’t corrected quickly, a show gets derailed. Very often, the lyrics of lead vocalist Pauline Maudy were lost under the instruments on this Thursday night.
On Friday, queuing up in the hall outside of the ETU Ballroom for another show, MZAZA’s sound mix was far more harmonious. (I hope it was also good for the punters inside.) It would benefit performers and punters alike if Fringe festivals could do more to ensure that sound quality is consistently decent.
With the sound as it was, any shading of lyrics (whether in English or French) was largely flattened. This focussed our attention on the compositions, which claimed to draw inspiration from French and Balkan traditions. The style here is unlike that of other acts with similar influences, say, Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen.
Whilst MZAZA songs initially appealed due to the obvious skills of our musicians, this could be dulled by their repetitious nature. (I recall a similar feeling of being underwhelmed at a Paris Combo show, although others might find this style more meditative.)
We were promised a “theatrical experience” in the Fringe blurb. Unfortunately, the (sometimes quite repetitious) projected animations didn’t always assist this, as they were blocked, at times, by the band. Eyeballs floating in space, or anatomically accurate hearts orbiting a planet might seem eye-catching, but what are they saying?
Whilst the work might have aspired to moments of poetic ambiguity, the narrative needs more connective tissue to support the ideas here.
MZAZA: The Birth and Death of Stars
Trades Hall – ETU Ballroom, Corner Lygon and Victoria Streets, Carlton
Performance: Thursday 2 October 2025
Season continues to 5 October 2025
Information and Bookings: www.melbournefringe.com.au
Image: MZAZA:The Birth and Death of Stars – photo by Jacques Maudy
Review: Jason Whyte