Experience the magic of ‘The Rapture’: A queer celebration of performance art 

The exquisitely talented Cleo Rapture (or should I say ‘pole dance daddy’) proudly embraces her queer sensuality with her ensemble of Sydney’s most talented performers in ‘The Rapture’ at the Village Green Festival Garden until September 29. This spectacular show fuses the art of performance with queer representation. The extensive showcase of Aerial Pole Dance, Circus, Live Vocals and Fire Artistry with the addition of flaming high heels brings an exotic charm to the world of live entertainment. 

Cleo Rapture is an award winning performer, dancer, event curator and movement instructor bringing her unique queer artistry to audiences all around Australia. The extraordinarily talented showgirl is a proud Queer woman who has danced her way through the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, a career highlight for the multifaceted artist. Embracing the queer community, her show entails an array of humorous interactions with the audience and creates a safe haven for all people to be celebrated. 

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

The show kicks off with the magnificent Cleo Rapture, draped in a white robe and commanding attention with her assertive stride in 8 inch heels. With her ‘Book of Whore-mon’ in hand, she delivers a sermon, unveiling humorous storytelling from her autobiography. Placing the sacramental bread upon the open mouths of select audience members, she encourages everyone to chant “SLAY-MEN”.

Drag king carnie superstar Mirlena Dalí makes an entrance, embodying sensuality through his fire artistry and magnetic gaze. His performance turns up the heat and leaves the audience with intrigue for what’s about to proceed . 

Cleo Rapture and pole dance diva Miss Peaches then performed an intimate pole  routine, their sparkling lingerie glinting in the dim light that ends in a warm embrace shared between the two goddesses. 

Cleo returns to her memoir, sharing her journey of self discovery in a catholic upbringing. Humorously referring to herself as a ‘greasy Italian wog’, her desire to find her identity and community resonated deeply with the audience, as she recounted her first queer relationship at 19. The beautiful talent referred to her body as a ‘vessel of trust’, encouraging the audience to stay true to themselves and listen to their bodies. 

The energy ascended with the arrival of theatrical dancer and drag-lesque singer Mama Medusa, performing an upbeat act that captivated the crowd. With live acoustic vocals and a stunning reveal, they astounded the audience with an immersive performance that lifted the energy to exhilarating heights. 

A powerful confession segment followed as audience members shared their deepest vulnerabilities, whilst Cleo, assisted by two helpers, embodied liberation with a ‘slut drop’ to release all negative energy. The show ends in a playful finale as Cleo Rapture hands around a glass of champagne with the bottle in hand labeled ‘piss’, creating an immersive and vibrant atmosphere. 

The cast leaves a lasting impression with their closing act, incorporating fire work through the stems of their heels, lighting up the room. The Rapture invites everyone to celebrate queer identity and diversity through the art of live entertainment. Grab your friends and witness this spectacular show. 

Cleo Rapture
Village Green Festival Garden – North Tent, Darling Quarter, Sydney 2000
Until 29 September, 9PM-10PM (8PM Sunday showing)
https://sydneyfringe.com/events/the-rapture/