After a 3-year long wait, Fez Faanana AKA Shivannah has finally arrived in Vancouver with his sensational troupe of gender bending artists, much to everyone’s delight! The aptly named show, Dirty Laundry is chock-full of entertainment – there’s acrobatics, juggling, gymnastics, burlesque, risque banter and unlimited laughs.
Image Courtesy: Ven Tithing
Dirty Laundry is a 70-minute long (adults only) variety show. The program guide promises nudity, unapologetic comedy and much more. Members of the audience entering the theatre are charmingly greeted by the cast as they float around with lit-up laundry baskets – the show is yet to begin, but you are invited to air your dirty laundry or participate in another “secret” endeavor. Soon, the stage is glittering with sensational razzmatazz – MC Shinannah and her troupe invoke gleeful whoops from the crowd with their introductory act. Next, Fez takes center-stage in a dazzling avatar and invites the audience to connect with the land, acknowledge its past and present struggles and commit to creating a better future – a powerful call for reconciliation and collective healing. There are many such self-aware truth bombs sprinkled throughout the show.
Image Courtesy: Ven Tithing
The show begins with the raunchy rhythms of Salt-N-Pepa only to get progressively spicier. The power-packed acts get switched up in quick succession – each bringing out a unique artistic flair centering the sheer physicality of the human experience. The immensely talented troupe is dextrous, bold and funny. They riotously navigate many moods – bawdy exploits involving gasses and bodily fluids; daring tricks involving acrobatics, gymnastics and pyrotechnics. The audience swings between mesmerized gasps, energized squeals and belly-aching splits of laughter. The production is snazzy with amazing costumes, make-up, sounds and lighting. This laundry cycle is one heck of a delightful joyride!
A word of caution to folks with issues pertaining to sensory overload – this show tends to get loud and bright, with strobing effects. Please bring your comfort accessories (eg. sunglasses, ear plugs) as needed.
If you are in Vancouver this June, looking to revel in queer joy during this month of Pride, look no further than York Theatre in East Van. Produced by Briefs Factory International, presented by The Cultch and Zee Zee Theatre, Dirty Laundry runs from June 9-25, 2023. Book your tickets here.
-Annapoorna Shruthi