Created by Vulva Va-Voom
Produced by Vulva Va-Voom & Company
Review by Cristina Paolozzi
M / Comedy, Solo, Burlesque, Cabaret, Dance
What happens when a friend challenges long time musical and cabaret performer Vulva Va-Voom to create a show with no backup or technical elements whatsoever?
The result is a stripped bare set that makes the most of the situation, one opera aria at a time. While the performance can be a bit uncomfortable, this, assures Vulva Va-Voom, is the whole point. To lean in to the vulnerabilities and the moments when things aren’t quite perfect.
Banner image from BLAH-Cappella: Vulva-Va Voom Struggles with Imperfection. Photo provided.
The opening night show’s audience was small, but mighty, really adding to the overall experience, and taking a chance on the first international performance from Va-Voom. There are copious opportunities for audience participation, as you help the artist piece together the show.
Vulva Va-Voom has incredible talent shown in their dance skills and singing ability, throwing in random tap or operatic segments throughout. While the performance is meant to lean into the scrappiness of putting together a show on the spot, the flow of the show and each challenge throughout seemed disconnected at points.
However, BLAH-Cappella is perfect for those who wish to try their hand at collaborative theatre making, or to just see some saucy cabaret.
BLAH-Cappella: Vulva Va-Voom Struggles With Imperfection is playing at Café Alternatif from June 18–22. Tickets are $14 plus service fees at the Fringe box office (3rd floor, Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue), and at the three satellite box offices (LabO in the Ottawa Art Gallery, Fringe Courtyard, 67 Nicholas St and La Nouvelle Scène). Five and ten Show Passes are also available. Visit the Ottawa Fringe Festival’s website for the show’s schedule and check out their online schedule here.
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