Winner of Best Circus for Fringe 2020, Rouge is back in Adelaide and sexier than ever! With jaw-dropping acrobatics, sensual partner routines and bombastic vocal performances, there is never a dull moment in this hybrid cabaret/circus show.
Rouge uses a series of circus acts as an anthology, each individual performance positioned as a snapshot into a character and their experience of their sexuality. It was certainly a breath of fresh air watching a show that is overall designed to titillate separating itself from the straight male gaze, showcasing vulnerable moments between men, queer relationships, and well as solo female sexuality.
The strong, cohesive theme strings together and provides context for the physical prowess demonstrated by all performers in their acrobatics and aerial acts.
Situated in the Peacock, a gorgeous venue up the back of Gluttony, even at restricted capacity the audience was large and raucous. The performers were eating up the energy and fed it back to the punters, making the show feel much more intimate and personal than the large venue would imply. They never take themselves too seriously, with some seriously side-splitting comedy moments interspersed without.
The cast of Rouge are inimitable professionals, each showcasing multiple circus skills across the show. They make flying through the air or spinning in a wheel seem effortless, flirting with the audience throughout. Vocalist Michaela Burger, Adelaide’s own, stands out amongst the sea of cabaret singers who descend upon the city in February, and is setting the new standard for vocal energy.
Leaving the tent, the audience were still buzzing about the double aerial straps act. The raw athleticism of the acrobatics juxtaposed against the vulnerable and intimate relationship between the two male performers will stay with you long after the show has ended.
Rouge is definitely circus for adults, suitable for 18+ audiences who are comfortable with nudity.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Tickets: https://gluttony.net.au/shows/show/416/rouge
Official Website: https://www.rougeshow.com
Content Warning: R18+
Performance Reviewed: 24th Feb 2021, at the Peacock in Gluttony
Presented by: Gluttony & Highwire Entertainment
Ticket was provided to the reviewer free of charge by Gluttony organisers, however all opinions here are reviewer’s own.