One of Melbourne’s most daring and enduring theatre companies is marking a major milestone by taking over one of the city’s most iconic venues.
This August, Finucane & Smith will celebrate 30 years of boundary-pushing performance with Dance Palace, a month-long festival of cabaret, music, burlesque and live art that will also serve as the grand reopening of Luna Park’s newly restored Luna Palace.
Running every weekend throughout August, the festival transforms the historic venue into a carnival of entertainment featuring more than 30 artists across 12 nights. The program promises a characteristically eclectic mix of performances, from torch songs and pub rock to Bollywood-inspired spectacle, burlesque, live painting and theatrical surprises.
Founded by Moira Finucane and Jackie Smith, Finucane & Smith have spent three decades carving out a unique place in Australian performing arts. Over that time they have created 36 full-length productions, toured internationally, performed in more than 160 Australian towns and reached audiences numbering well over a million, all while operating independently.
Dance Palace brings together a stellar line-up of performers including Mama Alto, Maude Davey, Yumi Umiumare, Govind Pillai and Temple of Desire, Glennys Briggs, Bendy Ben, Maple Rose, Piera Dennerstein and many more.
The festival also marks the public return of Luna Palace after a five-year refurbishment. The restored space features sweeping arched windows, stunning views and a reimagined interior that provides a fitting backdrop for the company’s biggest celebration yet.
Reflecting on the anniversary, director Moira Finucane said, “Turning 30 feels like the miracle of the little company that could; a miracle of cabaret over catastrophe, burlesque over bureaucracy, exquisite voices over divisive drivel.”
She added, “We are the defiant, big haired, hope-loving art company that ALWAYS lifts extraordinary artists and communities shut out of centre stage.”
With hot chips, drinks, music, spectacle and a line-up packed with local legends, Dance Palace promises to be one of Melbourne’s most joyful and unconventional arts events this winter.
For tickets, session details and the full program, visit https://www.finucaneandsmith.com.au.
