OBSERVER: Pursuing Pleasure
A capacity audience shared an enchanting hour with vocal dynamo Piera Dennerstein in Pursuing Pleasure, presented in the Studio Theatre at Gasworks Arts Park.
An internationally-trained high soprano opera singer turned cabaret cantatrice, Dennerstein entwines skilled musicality and showmanship with candid auto-biographical storytelling.
Also a poet and writer, Dennerstein recounts her story with admirable candor, while continuing to entertain her audience.
Opening with a commanding entrance and rousing rendition of the Habanera aria from Georges Bizet’s Carmen, Dennerstein’s vast vocal range is awesome.
Deviating from her operatic voice to toe-tapping song genres from jazz to country, all are explored with obvious delight – garnished with Dennerstein’s signature operatic flair
Joshua Haines’ piano accompaniment works beautifully to complement Dennerstein’s performance. The duo conveys a comfortable sense of musical familiarity, ensuring a smooth-running show in a genial, relaxed style.
We learn that behind Dennerstein’s infectious smile and radiant personality is a personal story of despair, courage and healing, from rejection and adversity in the opera industry to long-term abuse and stalking from an intimate partner.
Costume changes enhance Dennerstein’s narrative – from an elegant, dark cocktail frock to comfy dressing-gown for a homely, intimate talk.
Dennerstein’s success at healing and pursuing pleasure in music, her life and body, is inspirational, as is the fabulous red and black corselette triumphantly symbolising her sense of liberation.
A career turning point for Piera Dennerstein in 2018 saw her commence tenure as an artist with premiere cabaret company Finucane and Smith.
The result is a confident, versatile, musically gifted performer, totally focused on the art of storytelling and entertainment.
With dramaturgy by Melbourne Fringe Living Legend Moira Finucane, and directed by Olivia Charalambous, Pursuing Pleasure well achieves its aims of ’blurring the boundary between high and low art and cultivating a shared humanity.’
Congratulations Piera Dennerstein for raising spirits and inspiring others – and thank you for sharing the gift of your wonderful voice.
pieradennerstein.com/
Review by Cheryl Threadgold
Pictured: Piera Dennerstein. Photo:Karin Locke