Yana Alana and The Paranas – Bite me Harder
Bite Me Harder
Yana Alana And The Paranas
Full Tilt
George Fairfax Studio
The Arts Centre
18 July 2008
Sarah Ward’s alter ego, Yana Alana, strides back onto the stage in Bite Me Harder, the followup to her recent production Bite Me. Combining circus skills with cabaret-style music and Ward’s incredible voice and comedic talent, the show is a riotous hour-and-a-bit of irreverent romp.
Although the opening (a short piece from assisting dancers The Town Bikes) felt slightly stilted, the pace picked up as Yana strode onto the stage, bringing a vivacious energy to the performance. Ward’s consummate control of the stage and wonderfully honed character were evident from the first moment.
Bite Me Harder has a distinctly cabaret feel, with much of the comedy taking a thoroughly irreverent look at the works. Nobody is safe from Yana’s acid tongue, with feminism, the Young Liberals, Scientology and Australian Celebrity all ‘getting a roast.’ Often delivered in song or poetry, the satire is clever, funny, and practically classy (were it not for the frequent dropping of the ‘C-bomb.’)
Experimental performance is the name of the game here, with percussionist Bec Matthews bringing an impressive aerial percussion display to the early part of the show. Serving as a much needed diversion from the fiery progression of Yana’s performance, the short piece was impressive in its physicality and musicality, serving as an ideal vehicle for Bec’s talent.
An innovative stage design brought the dressing room to the audience, adding an extra dimension to the relationships between the characters. This was well-used to further the story, particularly by the two Town Bikes, whose snide comments floated through from “backstage” with hilarious comic timing.
Moments of genius abounded throughout the show, with particular highlights being Ward’s iconic song (My Name Is) Yana, during which she proclaims that she is ‘like a hotted up Torana,’ and The Town Bikes answering that eternal question – “What’s the best way to enter a theatre?” (on skis, apparently). My favourite moment of the show, however, was the ending, a perfectly classy rendition of Strawberry Fields without affectation or connection to the story. It was a wonderful way to bring the cast together, and I was left with a wonderful sense of peace after the aggressive earlier performance.
With a great character, a fantastic voice, and a comedic with that defies any and all boundaries, Sarah Ward has created one of the most fun pieces of theatre of the year. This funky all-female cast are certain to rock your socks off!