A lavish fusion of sultry French cabaret with fiery Latin passion
Meet Meggan Macdonald. She is the assistant theatre director for Evoke’s Pink Martini Cabaret. She studied Fine Arts Drama at QUT and has been actively involved in the Brisbane music, art and theatre scene since 2014.
Pink Martini. Image: Bob Mcgahan
Tell us about the show in 100 words or less
Evoke’s Pink Martini Cabaret is a lavish fusion of sultry French cabaret with fiery Latin passion. To create the magic, start with a double-distilled Moulin Rouge, add a dash of barrel-aged jazz, a twist of bossa nova, spice with tango, and garnish with Latin zest. Include a cocktail of talent; dancers, circus performers, musicians and big personalities… Voila, we have Pink Martini Cabaret!
Anywhere Festival takes place anywhere but a theatre. Tell us about your venue. What is it about your space that adds to your audience experience?
Our show will be appearing at Arcana, situated in Moorooka. A versatile space, Arcana is equipped with opportunity for established and emerging artists who have access to various stages. We have the privilege of performing in the Empress Theatre, a large space with an extending seating bank, elevated stage, extensive lighting and sound desk. All of which help immerse the audience into the world of Evoke cabaret. Plenty of space to roam, dance, sing and shake our booties!
What is your creative process like?
It all starts with the spark of an idea to create a vibrant and effervescent, all-immersive world of art, music, dance and theatre. We love to play and create in the often-uncharted territory between various cultures and art forms. We are passionate about connecting artists to share their individual expertise but also create a safe space for an exchange of ideas, allowing opportunities for growth and leading to new and multidisciplinary forms of creative expression. Our creative mantra is to transcend cultural and artistic boundaries.
Tell us your origin story. How did your company start?
Evoke emerged to fulfil an unmet need in the Brisbane cultural scene. There is an amazing amount of young and emerging talent grown in our own backyard... and 10 years ago there were limited performance opportunities for these artists. So, Evoke was born and the company set out to establish a platform for themselves by creating their own stage shows. Every year they have grown and evolved, exhibiting multiple performances over the years with many performers ‘finding themselves’ in Evokes’ creative family. Many have gone on to professional studies in the arts or returned to the company after the exploring artistic opportunities interstate and abroad.
Christopher Peauril and Angelique. Image: Bob Mcgahan
Who is your perfect audience member? Who is going to LOVE this event?
Our perfect audience member would be someone who enjoys all facets of creativity and big theatrics. You know, bold and bright costumes, sexy and empowered movement, boisterous performers - all that jazz. Our show is one for those who are happy to get up out of their seat and dance with the performers, and for those that prefer to sit comfortably in their seats and clap along. We love to explore the means of self-expression through our art, and we’d love an audience who would come along and do the same.
Is there anything else we simply MUST know about the show?
These artists have not just come from Evoke directly – we have sought talent all throughout Brisbane. Pink Martini cabaret has the drive to take the performance further after Anywhere festival – so if you like what you see, get involved! We are always open to artists who love their craft and the power of cabaret!
Evoke’s Pink Martini Cabaret is presented as part of Anywhere Festival on the 14th, 15th and 16th of May at Arcana.
