Review: Queer Enough? At Motley Bauhaus

Review by Greg Gorton

Luke Martin and Paige E. Joustra are two very close friends who want to open their very own queer bar. They want it to be as fabulous as it can be and, while they don't yet have a name for it, they do know they want it to be open and welcoming to everybody. They have seven days until opening, parts of the building are crumbling around them, and they still don't know what to do about the bathrooms. Plus, how do they make sure it's Queer Enough?

And what does “queer” look like in today's society, anyway? Why is our society once that “accepts” queer identities, but only if they fit into neat little boxes? Why is biphobia so rampant, especially against those in heterosexual relationships? Why does a gay guy get called a prude for having standards? And why does it feel like you will lose your rainbow identity card if you don’t know the history and linguistics of the pride movement?

These are issues generally avoided in queer theatre but Luke and Paige know that, with a little heart and a lot of dancing, these things can be talked about. If the dancing is passionate enough, people will want to listen.

While this comedy has a narrative, and even a ticking clock, it survives on the back of dances, songs, burlesque, game shows, and a cameo by Cher. Queer Enough? is a night filled with cultural references, but any in-jokes for friends are presented in a way we can all enjoy. This isn't the sort of show that will hit you with an unexpected comic diamond, but there are steady laughs to be had throughout the night.

It is also a comedy with heart. The monologues provoke empathy rather than pity, every joke is at themselves rather than others, and sequins make everything easier to handle. 

Luke and Paige have an insane amount of chemistry and this wholesome love they have for each other is shared with the audience. In the end, the community this bar is meant to represent can be felt in the room itself.

It is important to remember that this is a true fringe show.

The dancing is full of energy and passion, and there's been an attempt at choreography, but these two performers are (hopefully) not professional singers and dancers. Likewise, their written characters would not stand scrutiny if not being indistinguishable from performers themselves. While the quips and banter are funny, they are sometimes poorly timed. Costume changes are a little messy, and it is fortunate that the bar is canonically falling apart as then they can explain any set issues.

Frankly, this is exactly the kind of fringe I go out for. Beware: rant incoming.

It's a lamentation I've had with many people recently - Melbourne Fringe is too mainstream. You shouldn't get to have a Netflix special and use up space at Fringe. It's tough to compete for audiences, simply in the reality of close to five hundred events existing in only three weeksl. If you're the sort of known entity, and have the marketing, to not need Festival support, I'd argue that you don't need, and therefore should not use, the Festival.

I know that isn't a popular opinion, but fortunately we can all have it our way. If, like me, you want your fringe experience to be raw, fresh, honest, and legitimately funny, you need to search out shows like this one.

Queer Enough? is a show I'm scared will fly under the radar. It talks about the serious issues we need to talk about, but does it in a world of laughter, hope, and joy. Please see it.

Image Supplied