Tied Together Still – The Living Museum Of Erotic Women

What better to warm your cockles this winter than an underground emporium of erotica? “It’s a historical event,” laughingly assures director Willow J Conway of her new theatrical production – its saucy line-up of erotic female figures including the likes of Aphrodite, Venus, Mata Hari and Mae West.

The co-founder of Bottoms up Burlesque (one of the original and “fiercer” Melbourne burlesque troupes) was inspired by New York’s immersive production of Sleep No More – the Broadway hit that enwraps attendees in a variety of scenes within the kooky chambers of a 1930s inspired hotel.

She had relished the freedom of meandering from one scenario to another, and on home turf, the multi-roomed basement of Bourke Street’s Donkey Wheel House presented equally adventurous potential. Seven months of groundwork and a Pozible campaign later, Tied Together Still will inhabit this underground lair from July 30th–Aug 3rd, with a cast of thirteen performers leaping from their podiums in a living, breathing museum.

“There’s no stage per se,” says Conway. “The audience are invited to go into the environments and spaces of the performers. They become part of the set.” But never fear, wallflowers, you’re free to sit back and watch ­­– it’s very much a ‘choose your own’ experience.  And you can always retreat to the bar for sneaky tipple, where a number of scenes will also take place.

Solo scenes, dances and ensemble pieces are to be expected from the sensual, supple bunch, including an unorthodox rendition of the can-can. “I don’t want it give too many things away,” she teases, but hints at secret rooms and sensory delights.

The adults-only affair is sure to rock the socks off all who venture through, in what promises to be one heck of a history lesson.

Tickets available at Moshtix.

Tied Together Still
30th July – 3rd August
Donkey Wheel House, 673 Bourke Street, Melbourne
buburlesque.com.au/tiedtogetherstill/