Saturday, 20 March 2010
Bite Me | Yana Alana And Tha Paranas
Written by Rebekka Salmi   
Wednesday, 06 February 2008 10:26
Bite Me | Yana Alana And Tha ParanasI entered the Butterfly Club on Sunday night not knowing what I was about to see. What I got was the colourful poetry and diva antics of Yana Alana and the music of her talented Piranas (the band). Bite Me is a high energy cabaret show that will get you laughing, have you singing, and give you an appreciation for large instruments.

I loved everything about this show; the crude content, the in-your-face attitude, the catchy tunes, the over-the-top delivery, the circus tricks, the finale, the laughter, the tears, the sweat, the make-up, the costumes, the banter. There was something about it akin to the energy and comedy of Tenacious D. Perhaps it was the excessiveness of the show, or the flamboyant characterization. Either way, something was comparative between the two that made me believe I was experiencing magic.

The lighting was wonderful and really contributed to the atmosphere and experience of the night. Not only were there moments of incredible laughter to be highlighted, but moments where the audience could appreciate the absolute talent before them. There were moments when the band was phenomenal and moments when the lyrics moved so sharply and quickly that you couldn’t help but be astounded. The lighting progressed with the show at all times and helped to complement different moments; some comedic, some a little serious.

Director Anni Davey has embraced the cabaret style and ensured that the flow of the show remain fresh.

Sarah Ward, as Yana Alana, in a role she was born to play was excellent. Her voice was strong and beautiful to listen to. Her characterization was flawless. While the Piranas, in binary opposition to Yana Alana, were an excellent complement to her diva antics. They were low key, cheeky and fun. The banter between the two was comfortable and well constructed with a great sense of collaboration and freshness about the whole performance that kept the audience on their toes.

Created by Sarah Ward, from Sister She, Bite Me, is a hilarious look at one woman conquering the world, attacking all that needs to be attacked, and letting out all those inner demons that just don’t get out enough! It is a show that blows the issues of women completely out of proportion. This gave the show its comedy and its greater truth. Bite Me is The Vagina Monologues as it should have been, with more spunk, more humor, and without the banal feeling.

Although I adored Bite Me, and most of the audience did too, there will be some who may find it offensive or inappropriate. Like Tenacious D, the ladies who bring us Bite Me, will find the very thing that makes them amazing, will be the very thing that some people stay away from. If you are the kind of person who does not enjoy excessive humor, or excessive language, then Bite Me will not be your thing. However, for those of you who know you can handle it, I implore you, don’t miss Bite Me, because you will bite yourself for missing it!


Bite Me
Yana Alana And Tha Paranas

Venue: The Butterfly Club | 204 Bank Street, South Melbourne
Dates: Thurs 31 January to Sunday 10 February (performances Thurs to Sun)
Times: Thurs to Sat at 9.00 pm; Sundays at 8.00 pm
Duration: one hour approx
Tickets: $25 full / $20 concession and for groups of 8 or more
Bookings: www.thebutterflyclub.com

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