By Alesha Capone
Trevor Santos and Tro Griffiths are starring in a world-premiere production featuring a fiery fusion of burlesque, dance and circus.
The two men, who hail from Maribyrnong and Altona respectively, have been cast in Matador, a tale of forbidden love and passion being performed at The Melba Spiegeltent.
The show mixes contemporary dance, ballet and Latin numbers with pole dancing and aerial acts.
Santos, a dancer and choreographer, said working with the 13 other performers in the cast had been his favourite part of rehearsals.
“With the circus acts, there are some incredible moments,” he said.
Griffiths, a circus artist, said that when cast members were connecting with the audience and each other – such as when he and one of the dancers do a spin on the aerial straps – it was thrilling.
“If we’re doing the show, and we do a really good one, we have a little look we share – we don’t break character, but it’s there,” Griffiths said.
“I love those moments – where you interact with each other as well as the audience.”
He said that he was not fazed when he first saw the theatrical costumes used in the production.
“I come from the burlesque world, so I was like, ‘Cool – a corset and tights’,” he said.
Matador will be performed from 8.30pm, Thursdays to Saturdays, until March 2 at The Melba Spiegeltent, 35 Johnston Street, Collingwood. Tickets: $69.90.
Bookings: eventfinda.com.au or 1800 710 499. See facebook.com/matadortheshow for details.
