The State of Grace
Theatre (new writing, storytelling)
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Venue 20Assembly Rooms - Drawing Room
- 19:05
- Aug 24
- 1 hour 5 minutes
- Country: Australia
- Group: House of Oz, Assembly Festival and Michaela Burger present
- Warnings and additional info: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Scenes of a sexual nature, Scenes of violence, Strong language/swearing, More information
- Accessibility: May not apply to all performances. You'll find more information about accessibile performances and how to book tickets in the accessibility tab below.
- Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket
- Policy applies to: Children under 18 months
Description
Grace was a high-class sex worker, who rose to meteoric fame on social media. She was an activist and modern-day maverick, until suddenly, she died... Award-winning artist Michaela Burger (A Migrant's Son, Exposing Edith) explores her legacy in this one-woman show. Through Grace's writing – unpublished hip hop lyrics, monologues and musings – Burger explores her multifaceted life. Her outrageously funny wit and charm, fearlessness and 'f*ck it' outlook on life will seduce you into marching with this social justice warrior who was determined to decriminalise the sex industry.Please note that while all media gallery content is provided by verified members of the event, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society does not review or approve this content before it is posted. Reports of inappropriate content or copyright infringement can be directed to [email protected].
General venue access
- Accessible entry: There is lift access into the performance space. If not taking the lift there are 23 steps into the venue.
- Stairs: 20+
Wheelchair access type: Building Lift
Each venue can contain several space with different accessibly information. Visit the venue page for full venue accessibility info
How and when to make an access booking
- Phone: +44 (0)131 226 0002
- Email: [email protected]
- Textphone: +44 (0)7860 018 299
- Find out more about access at the Fringe.
Our access tickets service is available to anyone who:
- Would like to book specific accessibility services, e.g. a hearing loop, audio description headsets, captioning units, seating in relation to the location of the BSL interpreter
- Requires extra assistance when at a venue
- Has specific seating requirements
- Is a wheelchair user
- Requires a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a performance
Rae Pantalleresco 19 days ago
So probably one of my favourite shows I have seen so far. Michaela is an incredibly passionate and talented human. This show is shared via multiple media .. spoken word, music (SO talented) and some on the screen. Grace/Pip's story is told in a way that you would hope your friends would speak of you. As an audience member, and perhaps as someone who has the "us and them" mentality of sex workers, the humanity behind the job is brought forward. This is someone's child, and someone you could have known. She had relatable sides and it would be very easy to have been friends with Grace. She was someone with hopes, dreams and passions. Even if the subject matter isn't your first choice, the talent that is on stage makes this a must see. Beautifully done.
Richard Collier 21 days ago
I first saw Michaela in her stunning Piaf biographical show. Now she’s back with a very different biography, that of Adelaide’s most famous sex worker, Grace Bellavue. The show itself couldn’t be more different, although given that Piaf was raised in a brothel and became an international chanteuse and Grace/Pippa was a sex worker who wanted to be a rap artist, one imagines these two ladies would have had a lot to talk about. Where Piaf was a narrative in word and song, this sees Michaela using looping, projection, video, lighting, props, soundtrack, costume, spoken word and song, with extracts from Twitter, Ted Talks and elsewhere, to create a dazzling portrait of Grace’s full-on world, both exhaustive and exhausting.
Michaela’s performance focuses on the upbeat, in your face Grace at the height of her formidable powers, constantly denying the pain and misery that seemingly got her in the end. Constructed from material directly from Grace given to Michaela by Grace’s mother, you know you are getting this all first hand.
Whilst constructing the soundtrack and doing all her wardrobe changes right in front of you, Michaela constructs a feeling of total intimacy and stripped-down (literally) honesty, but this dramatic choice also gives a sense of what one suspects Grace’s life must have actually been like: making it up as she went, non-stop party, constantly on a knife edge.
It’s an emotional journey more than anything, but Michaela clearly puts forth Grace’s position on the issues of sex workers, decriminalisation and her opposition to the Nordic model. One can only hope Grace/Pippa’s parents get some comfort from this striking memorial. It’s a great show with a dazzling performance from Michaela Burger. Go and see it.
Georges 25 days ago
This is the second show I see by Michaela, having first been amazed by her immense talent at last year’s fringe with A Migrant’s Son. This year she is taking it a step further with a very bold play that not many artists can put together. She delivers with the same effortless grace as she did on the bigger stage. The vocals during the songs are impressive with twists that need to be experienced live. Thank you for bringing this story to the fringe!
Ali W 25 days ago
Michaela is the consummate professional. She has clearly dived headfirst into this fascinating story and paid respectful homage to a woman that many would judge, pass-by or rather not know. Michaela deftly jumps between scenarios and you are there with 'Grace' at every moment. I was extra pleased to see Michaela include vocals as if you've seen her previous Fringe Favourites - 'Migrant's Son' and 'Exposing Edith' - you'll know what an exquisite singing voice she has. Highly recommend.
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Bouquets & Brickbats 17 days ago
Arts Hub 19 days ago
One4review 27 days ago
North West End UK 33 days ago
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.