The first in the Gasworks’ Short and Physical series showcasing edgy queer performers, was definitely on to a strong start. The two part show gave it’s audience a glimpse of two artists; Queer performer Sunny Drake, and Burlesque Circus performance duo, Switch.

Gender Seeking Queer was the first piece of the night, and it was my first encounter with the extraordinary work of the fabulously and comfortably queer Sunny Drake.
Questioning some of humanities most basic traits – feelings of jealousy, the need to establish identity, illusions of gender, our tenacious cling to monogamy and traditional social constructions – Drake creates a surreal world that snaps between game show, therapy session, puppet show and contemporary dance piece. It’s beautiful, articulate, well considered and very sophisticated.

Some really complex and difficult subjects are delivered in the most accessible and authentic way. It’s light hearted, fresh and wank free. It makes fun of over intellectualisation and brings it back to the human element. Just brilliant and totally humourous.

It’s incredibly brave to wear your inner most thoughts, emotions, insecurities and personal beliefs to the extent that he does. And isn’t not for shock value or anything as trite as that. It’s a genuine exploration. It’s more about connecting and commonality than alienation, and that is its strength. Wonderfully effective low tech trickery and special effects added to the power of the piece.

The work ends appropriately with the saddest little puppet you’ve ever seen, made in the likeness of the artist. A great end to a great work that alone is worth the price of the ticket.

Sunny drake is a progressive queer visionary. Look out for this wonderful artists work.

After a brief intermission, it was time for part two of the show – Switch Bits – performed by Switch (Sofia Woods and Divo Sock). Again, it was my first encounter with these fun queer performers, and I’d heard many good things. Switch Bits showcased 5 mini works the duo have created over the years.

Their opening piece took you back to the 50’s with a leather jacket jock and the feminine chick engaged in a sexy physical cross between jive and circus acrobatics. Then half way through the performance, the two switch genders right before your eyes, and then continue the dance. This work was intelligent and fun. It didn’t just demonstate the notion of ‘gender as performative’, but’ identity as performative.’ And you didn’t need a degree on queer theory to understand it. It was definitely a highlight of their performance.

Another highlight was the truly magic Lesbian Bed Death that was nothing short of brilliant. A poignant and hilariously truthful piece that playfully depicted lustful relationships that have lost their lusture. Though performed by two women, this was a work that was accessible to anyone. Intelligent and very funny.

The other works performed by the duo (and particularly the final work) really missed the mark for me. I get the whole male parody thing, but it just didn’t come across as clever or properly considered. It had potential to be something incredibly meaningful, and I still hope that it is developed further. The miming bit in the middle was lost on me totally. Was it about being a woman? Who knows? I felt those works undermined the highlight pieces a bit, especially in the light of Sunny Drakes work. More consideration, work-shopping and perhaps an independent eye could make the collection of works stronger.

On a side note, Sofia Woods really looks like Kylie Minogue on some angles. I’m sure there’s potential to explore and dismantle an icon (or our obsession with her).

All up, the first in Gasworks’ Short and Physical series is a strong start with some strong work that will provoke both thought and a smile. So get Physical!

Short & Physical plays at Gasworks Arts Park on the 3rd, 5th and 6th of February at 7:15pm, as part of the Midsumma Festival.