Blak Social's 'Meet Your Maker' hit the stage as part of the Brisbane Festival with a vibrant mix of pop culture parody and Indigenous storytelling. Set in the imaginative world of Queen’s City, the show explores an alternative reality where Indigenous pop culture is not merely a token but a dominant force. Alethea Beetson's one-woman performance deftly navigates themes of identity, cultural legacy, and the music industry.
This debut performance kicked off with a cleverly satirical film reel, paying homage to iconic films Legally Blonde, Clueless, and Scream. This quirky intro prepares the audience for a dynamic blend of live music, video, and monologue in a whirlwind of inventive storytelling.
The narrative revolves around Beetson’s portrayal of an Indigenous pop star who disappears right before her big Superbowl half-time show (although shouldn't it be State of Origin or something?). In this alternate reality where Indigenous pop culture is mainstream, our fearless hero embarks on a journey to meet her makers, leading to a rich exploration of cultural commentary.
The opening act’s humour shines as Beetson parodies the contemporary music scene, reimagining platforms like Myspace as "Mobspace" and Rolling Stone magazine with an article on the Misogynistic Mystiques' new hit song "Privilege Will Find Me." Satirical moments like these were plentiful to poke fun at the music industry. Speaking of music, we are treated to a whole album of original songs, with "Land Back Era" standing out as a true banger. In case you missed it, Beetson's pop culture alter ego is an obvious nod to Taylor Swift, complete with costumes and on-stage antics straight out of the Eras tour playbook. But unlike Swift, Beetson's persona is a bit more...shall we say...unhinged and maybe a tad bit angry.
One of the most engaging aspects of the show is Beetson’s interaction with video content. These videos feature other characters and elements that play off her live performance, creating a multi-layered experience. The segment with the boy band Staunch Direction (clearly a wink to One Direction), performing “Saucy Devon Sandwich,” was a highlight, eliciting hearty laughter from the audience. Beetson’s use of the boom box as a symbol of her cultural heritage is a powerful element of the performance, representing her connection to her ancestors (her makers). Further enriching the cultural context is the incorporation of diverse Indigenous actors, terms, and slang.
The show’s grand finale, a concert-style segment, could have benefited from a tighter wrap-up. While the energy was high, the extended encore felt a bit excessive and redundant, potentially diminishing the impact of the earlier performances we saw of the same songs. Still, the audience's enthusiasm remained strong throughout, proving that the show had a powerful appeal.
Despite the inventive approach, the pacing and abundance of visual and auditory elements also felt a bit overwhelming. There were instances where dialogue in the videos was difficult to understand, and some lines were missed due to microphone issues. However, these minor technical hiccups didn’t overshadow Beetson’s ability to connect with the audience through her dynamic stage presence.
Meet Your Maker was a bold and creative exploration of Indigenous culture through the lens of modern pop. Beetson’s performance was both entertaining and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on what could be if we embraced a different path.
About the Creator: Alethea Beetson, a Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi and Wiradjuri storyteller, is known for her work across theatre, film, and performance. Her passion for ensuring Indigenous music artists have a voice in the industry continues the efforts of those who have fought before her. 'Meet Your Maker' is a love letter to Blak art and community, throwing the spotlight on Indigenous musicians and culture in the modern world.
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