In 1981, a young Egyptian refugee and choreographer signed up to transform a strip club. Thirty-three years later he is stepping back from the limelight. It’s time to tell his story at the Burnside Ballroom for a limited season from 22 April.
Madame: The Story of Joseph Farrugia is a performance work based on the life and times of adult entertainment trailblazer Joseph Farrugia (aka Madame Josephine), long time creative director and host of famous Adelaide strip club Crazy Horse Revue/Madame Josephine’s.
Crazy Horse has been a place of fascination for many South Australians. Whether it’s been a hen’s night, buck show, a search for intimacy or a stolen glance up the stairwell, this venue is iconic in our city’s sexual landscape.
Part confessional, part documentary, Madame charts Joseph’s extraordinary personal story alongside the dramatic changes erotic entertainment has undergone in three decades, as vaudevillian burlesque has given way to the explosion of global internet pornography.
Generated from hours of interviews with Joseph and performed verbatim, this dance theatre show created by Torque Show (Malmö, Be Prepared, Intimacy) in association with Vitalstatistix and State Theatre Company of South Australia, is an accessible and highly entertaining queer account of love, identity and ambition, from the point of view of a veteran whose life personifies his industry’s complexity.
Creators & Directors: Ross Ganf, Ingrid Weisfelt, Vincent Crowley Performers: Trevor Stuart, Kialea-Nadine Williams, Chris Scherer Interviews: Ross Ganf with Joseph Farrugia Text: Joshua Tyler, Ross Ganf, Roslyn Oades Dramaturgy: Joshua Tyler Design & Lighting: Geoff Cobham Sound Design: Luke Smiles/motion laboratories Creative Producer: Emma Webb
Madame: The Story of Joseph Farrugia
Burnside Ballroom, Corner Greenhill and Portrush Road, Tusmore (Adelaide)
Season: 22 April – 2 May 2015
Bookings: 13 12 46 or online at: www.bass.net.au
For more information, visit: www.statetheatrecompany.com.au or www.vitalstatistix.com.au for details.
Image: Madame: The Story of Joseph Farrugia – photo by Kris Washusen