Who is Leah Shelton?
Performance artist. Psycho siren. Intersectional feminist bitch. You may have seen her strutting onstage in full latex sex doll regalia; or pole dancing on a hills hoist; making a red hanky disappear; or heading up a protest party with unapologetic hot-as-hell theatre disruptors Polytoxic. She’s just a gal who wants to have fun…damental human rights for everyone.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I’m quietly considering starting an artist-cult-commune with my art-wife partner in crime Lisa Fa’alafi – just your everyday anti-capitalist idealist paradise. Wanna join?
Who inspires you and why?
The people I work with! Ursula Martinez is one hell of an inspiration – inimitable performance art provocateur and Director of BATSHIT. She also taught me her infamous red hanky magic act, which I have since been lucky enough to perform all over the world, from Las Vegas to London’s West End! Also my art-wife Lisa Fa’alafi of Hot Brown Honey fame inspires me every day with her unapologetic boss bitch energy.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I hope I’m doing it! My art is political, and it’s a way that I can see towards making a difference. It’s a way of asking questions about the current state of the world, of generating a conversation with people, of asking people to see the world in a different way.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I love Trieste in the north of Italy (up near Venice, just near the border of Slovenia and Croatia). My sister and her family live there and I’ve been lucky enough to spend lots of time there.
It’s all about the lifestyle – beautiful views over the water, incredible food sourced directly from the region, great wine – and they have this amazing local farm tradition, the Osmize – where small farms open their doors to local visitors to try their food and wine.
I have memories of sitting amongst an olive grove, people with picnic blankets and guitars, singing and drinking and eating produce that had come directly from the vineyard and farm we could see in front of us. The eat local movement, over 200 years old in that region!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
If the weather’s nice, the Enoggera Reservoir is a beautiful place to swim, chill and be amongst nature. I need more excuses to get out there!
What are you currently reading?
My dear friend Mandy Beaumont’s new book The Thrill of It – it’s both a thriller and an homage to the iconic socialite and wallpaper artist Florence Broadhurst. I love Mandy’s gritty, femme-powered writing and am savouring every moment of this book.
What are you currently listening to?
BADASSMUTHA has released her first album and it’s juicy! Pop, R&B, a bit of a disco vibe, First Nations femme singer songwriter with super powered vocals home-grown here in Meanjin! I’m in love.
Happiness is?
Land Back, Ceasefire, End to Violence and Freedom for all people currently oppressed, displaced and k*lled in the name of money, land, resources and power.
What does the future hold for you?
Lots of touring! I’ll be taking my solo work BATSHIT to Brisbane Festival, SOHO Theatre London, Aberdeen Performing Arts, Lakeside Arts Nottingham, Worthing Theatre, The Cultch Vancouver Canada and Stanford Live, USA.
Leah can be seen in BATSHIT – which will be presented at the Brisbane Powerhouse, from 10 – 13 September, as part of the 2025 Brisbane Festival. For more information, visit: www.brisbanefestival.com.au for details.
Image: Leah Shelton – photo by Joel Devereux