Joanna Weinberg’s Bloody Good New Show…writes Deb Meyer
If you enjoy a glass of red wine at the theatre, you would be better to indulge before seeing Baroness Bianka’s Bloodsongs rather than after!
Joanna Weinberg
Joanna Weinberg’s wonderful storytelling ability conjures up a whole world of blood, through words and music alone, in her comical new cabaret. It is her 10th one woman show and is a dark and bizarre turn for the performer, yet highly original and inventive.
Performed in the newly refurbished, art deco inspired Hayes Theatre in Sydney’s Potts Point, the 75 minute show explores the unlikely confession of a haemophiliac. In a thick Eastern European accent, Weinberg engages the audience with Baroness Bianka’s outlandishness and likability. Becoming a nurse to satisfy her obsession with blood, Bianka bathes in swirls of blood, relishes the sight of self-inflicted cuts and finds profound bliss in menstruating.
With a nose that detects the subtle nuances of different blood types, her senses arouse great humour in detecting the seductive aromatic notes and clotting factors of different blood types. Audience interaction in this intimate, European style theatre, enhance the humour of the show as well as draw parallels with other addictions. (Did I really confess to a chocolate addiction?)
In this blackest of comedies, we are quickly drawn in by Weinberg’s hypnotic and haunting voice, deftness on the accordion, clever lyrics, humour and deeper messages – whether Jew or Arab, rich or poor, ‘our blood is all the same’. Despite the specific references to haemophilia and darkly comic elements, underneath it all lies common struggles with any addiction.
Only a highly talented writer and performer, with a compelling voice, could make this material funny and enjoyable, with many laugh out loud moments. With the skilled accompaniment of Mark Ginsburg, on soprano saxophone, guitar and percussion (making music with a cleever and knife sharpener), and director Lisa Freshwater, this is a fresh and original show that lingers long after the blood curdling has ended.
Baroness Bianka’s Bloodsongs
Presented by The Theatre Division in association with Hayes Theatre
Written & Performed by Joanna Weinberg
Accompanied by Mark Ginsburg
Directed by Lisa Freshwater
Designed by Bridgette Thorn
Sunday Sept 21 & 28, 8pm
Tickets $35
Bookings at hayestheatre.com.au or (02) 8065 7337
