Classic Melbourne
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Calendar
    • Terms and conditions
    • Apply to post your events
    • Post Your Event
  • Newsletter Signup
  • About
  • Contact
Classic Melbourne
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Calendar
    • Terms and conditions
    • Apply to post your events
    • Post Your Event
  • Newsletter Signup
  • About
  • Contact

Matador

by Jon Jackson 17th February, 2019
by Jon Jackson 17th February, 2019

There is a spectacular new dance show currently playing at The Melba Spiegeltent that is sure to go on to bigger and better things. A most commercially focused enterprise, Matador is sure to find its audience with those who are looking for an energetic and immersive theatrical dance experience.

Based on the timeless theme of love, there is a simple and unspoken narrative that takes us from the beginning to the end, via the love life of a certain Bull, danced with great passion by Ned Zaina and his Matador by dancer and aerialist Kelly Byrne. Written, directed and produced by Bass G Fam, it’s all very fiery and Spanish with plenty of passion and loads of machismo. The story plays through a series of vignettes, starting with names like “Love at First Sight” and “Flirt”, then “Secrets”, “Chaos”, “Erotica”, “Cheater” and “The Wrath” right through to “My Heart Is Yours”. There is a mix of several dance styles, but primarily Commercial, Contemporary and Latin. A large cast fills the stage with exciting routines showing not only incredible skill and talent, but also true discipline. It is clear that this show has been relentlessly rehearsed. There never appeared to be any deviation from the high precision physicality of the piece. Remarkable for the first night of a new production.

Within the ensemble, there are some extraordinary artists whose solo routines and couples work really show off their strengths and personality. Throughout, each dancer gets to show what they can do. There is a real Burlesque flavour to Matador and Kelly Byrne is equally at home, scantily clad on the trapeze or dancing en Pointe and tormenting her bull. There is also aerialist Zoe Marshall, who does her routine whilst suspended by her hair. I really enjoyed the way this was staged and haven’t seen anything like it since the Great Moscow Circus in the 1970s. Back then I was fascinated by ‘Haerialist’, Daisy Bentos flying across the big top by her follicles, just as Zoe Marshall did.

I wish there was a full cast list to describe which dancer was which, because there were so many excellent and exciting performances I’d like to mention. One male dancer donned thigh-high leather boots and leotard to join the ladies in an erotic routine, which added a lot of humour and camp to the show. And this is a show that contains much eroticism. All kinds too. It’s a very modern production in that it includes all types of sexuality; it isn’t just start to finish, guy and gal routines. There is a lovely coupling of dancer Christopher Politis and tattooed aerialist/contortionist and dancer Tro Griffiths, which seems perfectly at home here. There are also female couples (and then some) dancing in delicate lingerie, which segues into a delightful aerial act. I especially liked “Cheater” where our Bull, Ned Zaina, never without his signature horns, has flings (literally) with every lady in the cast one after another. Then when he’s had them all, he tries it with a man. It doesn’t work out and we face “The Wrath” not only of the spurned man, but from the Matador herself, Kelly Byrne, en Pointe!

Much credit should go to the choreographers, Gerard Pigg for the commercial dances and Josephine Magiolo for the contemporary styles. There were also two guest Latin choreographers, Carmelo Pizzino and Jessica Raffa, best known from television’s “Dancing with the Stars”. I’d have liked some more light and shade in the movements, as the macho elements got a bit wearing after a time.

There is a minimal set by Alexandra Hiller, as most of the stage is full of dancers, so the scene changes are effected with lighting and the dancers moving the stage pieces around. There are numerous very fast costume changes, which keeps each item fresh and different from another. Designed by Bass G Fam himself, the costumes are beautiful and made for dancing in. There are heavily embroidered g-strings, corsets on men and women, sky-high stilettos, diaphanous chiffon negligees, embroidered skin tight matador pants, but there’s still room for lots of bare flesh.

It’s a really exciting and somewhat raunchy show, so if you like contemporary and modern dance performed by a young and talented cast, this is a show for you. I took a dancer friend who is 80 years old and she absolutely loved it. My only criticism is that it was a bit too long on the opening night, but I’m sure it will tighten up as the show finds its feet.

______________________________

Jon Jackson reviewed the performance of “Matador” at The Melba Spiegeltent on February 15, 2019. The season runs until March 2.

0
FacebookTwitterLinkedinEmail
Jon Jackson

previous post
The Song Company: Treble Helix Unlocked
next post
Henry Purcell’s King Arthur

Events Calendar

Loading view.
  • June 2022

Calendar of Events

M Mon

T Tue

W Wed

T Thu

F Fri

S Sat

S Sun

2 events, 30

11:00 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Flinders Quartet: A Life’s Work

Flinders Quartet
May 30 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Flinders Quartet: A Life’s Work

A program with common threads, linking lives that are centuries apart. Program Clara Schumann 3 Preludes and Fugues, Op.16 Melody Eötvös…

$29 – $40
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Flinders Quartet: A Life’s Work

Flinders Quartet
May 30 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Flinders Quartet: A Life’s Work

A program with common threads, linking lives that are centuries apart. Program Clara Schumann 3 Preludes and Fugues, Op.16 Melody Eötvös…

$29 – $40

1 event, 31

7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

The Consort of Melbourne – Palimpsest

May 31 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

The Consort of Melbourne – Palimpsest

The Consort of Melbourne: Ancient texts brought to life with luscious vocal harmonies.

$45 – $55

1 event, 1

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Ferruccio Furlanetto in Concert

June 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Ferruccio Furlanetto in Concert

With a voice that speaks volumes in every note, Ferruccio Furlanetto is one of the greatest basses of our time. Over…

$53 – $149

0 events, 2

1 event, 3

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

1 event, 4

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 4 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

3 events, 5

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Acord – Medieval Performance Ensemble: The Holy Face

June 5 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Acord – Medieval Performance Ensemble: The Holy Face

In this concert we explore facets of the world of acheiropoieta: literally “not hand made”, but more specifically miraculous images of…

$15 – $20
3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Bach Competition 2022

June 5 @ 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Bach Competition 2022

Melbourne Recital Centre’s 2022 Bach Competition, dedicated to young musicians passionate about JS Bach will soon be open for entries. Entrants…

Free
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 5 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

2 events, 6

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Jayson Gillham – Bach & Chopin

June 6 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Jayson Gillham – Bach & Chopin

One of the finest players of his generation. Celebrated London-based Australian pianist, Jayson Gillham is known for his bright toned clarity…

$59 – $79
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 6 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

1 event, 7

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 7 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

3 events, 8

11:30 am - 12:40 pm

Mostly Mozart – Conflicted Passions

June 8 @ 11:30 am - 12:40 pm

Mostly Mozart – Conflicted Passions

A performance of commanding exuberance, grace and sensitivity. Program Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Les petits riens, K.Anh.10/299b Antonio Rosetti - Symphony…

$42 – $49
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 8 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 8 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

1 event, 9

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 9 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

1 event, 10

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

2 events, 11

1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 11 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

0 events, 12

0 events, 13

0 events, 14

0 events, 15

2 events, 16

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

COLLIDE

June 16 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

COLLIDE

COLLIDE Collide make their debut at ADCH with a showstopping program of exceptional works. With a surprise item at the end,…

$24 – $44
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

June 16 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

A double dose of Dvořák and the ferociously brilliant Feld flute concerto, with the legendary Prudence Davis on flute. Program Antonín…

$30 – $143

0 events, 17

2 events, 18

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Zelman Symphony: Saint-Saëns and Dvořák

June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Zelman Symphony: Saint-Saëns and Dvořák

Saint-Saëns and Dvořák Artists Rick Prakhoff - conductor Roy Theaker - violin Kalina Krusteva - cello Program Saint-Saëns – Havanaise Op…

$15 – $45
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

JS Bach’s Double Violin Concerto is the glowing centrepiece of a Bach family reunion that celebrates this greatest of all musical…

$25 – $171

1 event, 19

2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

June 19 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

A double dose of Dvořák and the ferociously brilliant Feld flute concerto, with the legendary Prudence Davis on flute. Program Antonín…

$30 – $143

1 event, 20

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

June 20 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

JS Bach’s Double Violin Concerto is the glowing centrepiece of a Bach family reunion that celebrates this greatest of all musical…

$25 – $171

0 events, 21

0 events, 22

0 events, 23

0 events, 24

0 events, 25

0 events, 26

0 events, 27

0 events, 28

0 events, 29

0 events, 30

0 events, 1

0 events, 2

0 events, 3

May 30
May 30 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Flinders Quartet: A Life’s Work

May 30 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Flinders Quartet: A Life’s Work

May 31
May 31 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

The Consort of Melbourne – Palimpsest

June 1
June 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Ferruccio Furlanetto in Concert

  • There are no events on this day.
June 3
June 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 4
June 4 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 5
June 5 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Acord – Medieval Performance Ensemble: The Holy Face

June 5 @ 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Bach Competition 2022

June 5 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 6
June 6 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Jayson Gillham – Bach & Chopin

June 6 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 7
June 7 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 8
June 8 @ 11:30 am - 12:40 pm

Mostly Mozart – Conflicted Passions

June 8 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 8 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 9
June 9 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 10
June 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 11
June 11 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
June 16
June 16 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

COLLIDE

June 16 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

June 18
June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Zelman Symphony: Saint-Saëns and Dvořák

June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

June 19
June 19 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

June 20
June 20 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

June 16
June 16 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

COLLIDE

June 16 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

  • There are no events on this day.
June 18
June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Zelman Symphony: Saint-Saëns and Dvořák

June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

June 19
June 19 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

June 20
June 20 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
View Calendar

Classic Melbourne’s reviews policy

audio
Our point of differenceby Editor Suzanne Yanko

Your browser does not support the audio element.

Follow us on Facebook

Classic Melbourne

Melbourne Arts Centre

Melbourne Arts Centre

Melbourne Recital Centre

Melbourne Recital Centre

Introducing Classic Melbourne

audio
Speech at launch by Conductor Andrew Wailes

Your browser does not support the audio element.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

@2019 - All Right Reserved.

Read alsox

Sing out the changes

20th February, 2015

Music in the Round – Abbotsford Convent

27th September, 2017

Viewpoint: Melbourne Digital Concert Hall

21st April, 2020