• Presented by: Darebin Arts
• Created and Performed by: Sarah Houbolt

Synopsis

Minnie Woolsley was born in 1880 and was a rock star of her times - a freak show performer, a film actress, and most importantly, free from life in the asylum. She starred in Freaks (1932) as KooKoo the Bird Girl, a film that was banned for 30 years for its controversy.

A century later acclaimed circus and physical theatre performer Sarah Houbolt uncovers this cult classic film (rated as #72 in the list of 1001 movies you must see before you die). Equipped with an uncanny resemblance to Minnie, and a undeniable higher calling, Sarah brings you a haunting, captivating, visceral experience of the beauty of difference in this one woman show.

Expect circus narrative, skills and a heartfelt connection to a hidden past.

Please contact the venue website for additional accessiblity information. Note the use of side show tricks within this performance.

Reviews

“Sarah is an emotionally captivating performer with commitment to the work... Chuckles whisper through the auditorium... the choreography itself cunningly twists familiar classical steps, giving flight to the movement that swan lake will never achieve... the standing ovation combined with the tears welling... are testament to the evocative nature of the performance” Theatreview, Nov 2015

“Amazing, moving and revealing... This is an important performance... ” Express Magazine, Nov 2015

“Houbolt’s performance evokes a frisson that every misjudged soul can recognise... Evocative... impressive... Houbolt has a gravitas earned through many years performing around the world... .Her demonstration of side show is a rare treat.” Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane, Nov 2016

“A show that smashes boundaries between herself and the audience... truly unique” The Creative Issue Nov 2016