Here at Perth Arts Live, we know festival season in Perth/Boorloo (and beyond!) is hectic. There’s a lot to do, see, and plan when arts festivals overlap in such spectacular ways. To help readers make informed decisions about where to spend every moment of their free time during Fringemas just like us, we’re asking FRINGE WORLD artists to ‘take five’ from their busy schedules to answer five questions about their shows. No rest for the weary, eh?
Writer and performer Dean Robinson takes five with PAL to give us some insights into #SwiftTok, his cabaret about Taylor Swift fandom on TikTok. Presented by State of Play at the State Theatre Centre of WA and FRINGE WORLD from 17 – 25 Jan, #SwiftTok is:
“…a deepdive into the hilarity of online stan culture, the TikTok generation and above all it’s a true celebration of Taylor Swift. This show has comedy, costume changes and maybe even some audience challenges. Get in the ‘Getaway Car’ and let Dean take you on a journey through all the eras, the highs and lows, the good and the bad, and of course all of the ‘Sad Beautiful Tragic’ moments of teenagehood.”
Q1 What inspired the show, and what motivated you to bring it to FRINGE WORLD?
I exist in the world as a swiftie, and online and I am constantly seeing how wild and ridiculous we are, and there was just so much comedy there I had to write about it! After performing a version of this show at the Melbourne Comedy Festival last year, I wanted to see how it would go in such a huge creative different festival!
Q2 What’s the most unexpected, funny, or interesting thing that has happened during the show’s development?
I think the most surprising thing has been non swifties who have come along to the show and still had a great time, and even felt like they learnt something, not necessarily even about Taylor herself, but just about teenagers and online culture.
Q3 What does the audience absolutely need to know before they come to see the show? (without spoilers, of course!)
It’s probably helpful if you know who Taylor Swift is, and have maybe spent at least 3 minutes on TikTok, really I’ll cover the rest in the show. Maybe have a 13 minute conversation with a teenager too.
Q4 If you could invite any famous person (living or dead) to the show, who would it be and why?
See you’d think I would say Taylor herself, but I’m compelled to answer Harry Styles.
Q5 What other show(s) would pair well with yours for a delicious FRINGE WORLD feast?
There are two other Taylor Swift shows, which are tribute shows: Shake It Off: The Ultimate Taylor Swift Experience and Forever Fearless – The Ultimate Taylor Swift Tribute. Maybe I need to change my show title to SwiftTok: The Ultimate Taylor Swift TikTok
BONUS ROUND: In 10 words or less, give us your last ditch pitch to get folks in to see the show!
Come laugh at either yourself or at a Swiftie.
