Chanteuse and cabaret superstar Lady Rizo soulfully (and saucily) unpacks her love-hate relationship with present-day America. A hippie child turned teenage punk turned trained actor with a big soul voice, Lady Rizo unleashes a soaring and sardonic tribute to that “very bad boyfriend”, her home country.

Bejewelled, regally gowned, lipsticked and lashed, the martini-sipping singer-songwriter seeks to reclaim the idea of patriotism, rather than blind nationalism, in a scorching performance of hopeful and heart-stirring original songs and covers of Marvin Gaye, Portishead, Leonard Cohen and more.

A provocateur with an electric wit who draws inspiration from Peggy Lee, Edith Piaf and Nina Simone, Lady Rizo has collaborated with Moby, Reggie Watts and Yo-Yo Ma (on Grammy Award-winning album Joy & Peace).

Backed by a four-piece band, Lady Rizo’s toweringly tender vocals spread love, liberty and joy, even as she’s sprawled atop a piano scissoring her legs in the air.

Make a night of it! Add a Festival Feast at Madame Shanghai for just $56 (+bf) to your ticket purchase. See the full menu here.

This performance contains nudity, strobe lighting and haze.

Note: Lockout period applies.

Photo: Andrew French