The most fabulous time of year approaches as MELT Festival prepares to burst into Brisbane from October 23 to November 10. The glorious celebration of queer art and culture will shower the Brisbane Powerhouse and beyond with a kaleidoscope of art and culture, parties and parades. From drag-filled cabarets to queer history class, we picked five show-stopping events not to miss at this year’s MELT Festival.
Tina – A Tropical Love Story, October 25–26
A captivating blend of storytelling and cabaret, Tina – A Tropical Love Story is a touching tribute to the spirit and legacy of Tina Turner, written, performed and directed by First Nations drag artist Miss Ellaneous (AKA Ben Graetz). Ben invites a dazzling array of guest stars to the stage to share their tales of Tina, while sharing his own story growing up in Darwin and the profound impact Tina had on his life. Love’s got everything to do with it – this ode to the transformative power of music is simply the best.
Rainbow History Class, November 7–9
TikTok sensation Rainbow History Class steps off the screen and onto the stage for an evening of celebratory storytelling. Rudy Jean Rigg and Hannah McElhinney take you on a tour through LGBTQIA+ history from the origins of Mardi Gras, to the reason Alice Springs became a lesbian hotspot, and the time gay slang sent the US military on a wild goose chase for a mysterious woman, known as Dorothy to her friends. History is wilder, weirder and less heterosexual than you might remember, and class is now in session.
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Leather Lungs: Shut up & Sing!, October 31 to November 2
Prepare to be blown away as daring drag deviant Leather Lungs shows off their phenomenal voice spanning more than four octaves in this hilarious cabaret romp. Effortlessly wielding killer falsetto and stilettos, this vocal sensation presents savage wit, outrageous innuendo and sheer talent in a show that will leave you speechless.
A Body at Work, October 31 to November 2
Serial nudist Frankie van Kan exposes more of herself than ever before in this deeply intimate piece of confessional theatre. Directed by theatre alumni Maude Davey, A Body at Work tells the story of 16 years in the sex industry as a queer woman. From strip club antics to internalised whorephobia, Frankie explores the body as a commodity and the unravelling of boundaries this creates in an honest, humorous and heartfelt show.
Christian Thompson, October 16 to November 10
Throughout MELT Festival you can immerse yourself in the city-wide exhibition of Dr Christian Thompson AO’s powerful photographic works. Bidjara artist Christian challenges established narratives in his work, shedding light on the intricate layers of identity within marginalised communities. Larger-than-life installations of Christian’s work will be popping up throughout the city, heroed by a stunning piece on the Brisbane Powerhouse facade, that invites you to delve into Thompson’s heritage and artistic vision.