The State of Grace

The State of Grace; A new work by Michaela Burger.

“This thought provoking work makes you question societal attitudes towards sex, the industry that provides it and the motives of all involved.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐ North West End, UK

Grace was a high-class sex worker, who rose to meteoric fame on social media, branding her as Australia’s best known sex worker globally. She was an activist and modern-day maverick, until suddenly, she died. Multi-award winning artist Michaela Burger (A Migrant’s Son, Exposing Edith) explores her legacy in this one-woman show. Through Grace’s unpublished writing – hip hop lyrics, poetry, monologues, and musings – Burger unveils her multifaceted life. Grace’s 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.

Presenting Grace’s moving true story through a mix of spoken word, song and movement, Michaela Burger reveals the legacy of this brilliant minded harlot and brings her audience on a fascinating journey. This exhilarating piece of new writing will thrill Edinburgh’s Fringe audiences this August for its preview season, supported by House of Oz with Assembly Festival.

This show would not have been possible without the following donors: Georgie Black (HoZ), American Australian Association, Sam Harvey, Michelle & Eli Fein, Mary Snowball, Cjay Taylor, Regional Arts Victoria and many others who donated generously to support the creation of this show.

Based on the true life story of Pippa O’Sullivan aka Grace Bellavue, this project was entrusted to Michaela by Lyn O’Sullivan, the mother of Pippa/Grace.

Foreword by Taimi Allan, Mental Health Commissioner of South Australia

Welcome to "The State of Grace," a powerful exploration of Grace’s life, crafted by the multi-award winning artist, Michaela Burger. This performance is not only a tribute to Grace's life as a high-class sex worker and social activist but also a critical engagement with the themes of mental health and sex work—areas often enveloped in societal prejudice and misunderstanding.

Michaela has approached this play with a profound mindfulness, embracing not only Grace's voice but also those of her family and friends, weaving a narrative that is both true and transformative. This careful curation ensures the performance is safe, destigmatising, and deeply respectful to all involved, particularly in its handling of sensitive content.

The play invites us to challenge our biases and reflect on our beliefs and behaviours towards mental health and sex work. It stands as a prime example of 'edu-tainment'—using entertainment as a vehicle to educate, provoke thought, and inspire change. Through Michaela’s skilful blend of spoken word, song, and movement, audiences are offered a unique opportunity to see beyond the taboos and appreciate the complexities of Grace’s life and the issues she championed.

As you experience this show, I urge you to allow yourself to be moved, challenged, and changed. "The State of Grace" not only honours the legacy of a remarkable individual but also contributes significantly to ongoing dialogues about critical social issues, promoting a more understanding and inclusive society.

Thank you for being here to witness and participate in this important conversation. Your presence supports the continuation of such vital work in the arts, fostering greater awareness and empathy across communities.

Show Creatives:

Creator/writer/performer: Michaela Burger
Text mostly verbatim: Pippa O'Sullivan aka Grace Bellavue
Director: Jane Packham
Original Music: Michaela Burger
Choreographer: Lewis Major
Dramaturg: Alys Daroy
Animation: Stephanie Mackenzie
Design assistant: Juliette Whitney
Branding Consultant: Elena Kirschbaum
Production Consultant: Jonker Burger
Acting Coaches: Carl Ford & Susan Batson
Photographer: Pedro Greig
Artwork: Nicholas Ely
Consultant: Lynette O'Sullivan
Technical Consultants: Maggie McNeill (The Honest Courtesan), Kaytlin Bailey (Old Pros), Alice Beswick, Libby Trainor Parker
Mental Health Consultant: Taimi Allan

Virgin Scene - adapted from Maggie McNeill (The Honest Courtesan)

Further information regarding the sex work industry, decriminalisation and how you can help click below:

Sex Industry Network (SIN)
Scarlet Alliance (Australian Sex Workers Association)
Decriminalisation
The Honest Courtesan
Old Pros Online

Articles by Grace Bellavue:

Grace Bellavue BLOG
Grace Bellavue Pippa O’Sullivan — sex worker, activist, writer, The Australian
A day in the life of a prostitute, Mammamia
Grace Bellavue: “Social media has given sex workers a real opportunity to be heard”,
The New Statesman
MODERN LOVE: Twitter, my PA and life as a sex worker, The Advertiser

Driftwood

Driftwood

"Burger brings the confidence and verve of Broadway"
Artshub

Michaela Burger as Rella

In 1938 sculptor Karl Duldig, his wife Slawa Horowitz-Duldig – inventor of the modern foldable umbrella – and their baby daughter Eva, left their home in Vienna for an uncertain future. They found a brief refuge in Singapore before arriving in Sydney on 25 September 1940. Australia was at war: they were classified as enemy aliens and interned in an isolated camp in northern Victoria. Karl said ‘A game of tennis saved my life’.

The story follows the family’s narrow escape from Nazi Austria, as well as the recovery of all their Viennese art and other possessions after the war. Spanning three continents and three generations, it poignantly captures both the loss that families encounter when they are dislocated by war and the challenges they face when adapting to a new way of life.

Number 1619 Broadway – the ‘Brill Building’- was the heart of New York’s music scene in the 1960s. It housed some of history’s most prolific female songwriters, including the magnificent Carole King, Cynthia Weil, and Ellie Greenwich. With hits such as ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow?’, ‘You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling’, and ‘Leader of the Pack’, their songs gave voice to an entire generation.

MORE reviews

“Michaela Burger brings vivacious warmth and verve to Slawa’s dear sister Rella, raising the stakes of this key relationship by developing palpable chemistry with de Jong”
(Man In Chair)

“Burger portrays Slawa’s sister Rella masterfully”
(Lilithia Reviews)

"Burger is a central tour-de-force as the sister Rella"
(Australian Stage)

"Burger as Rella brings the confidence and verve of Broadway to a sibling role that as often conveys longing, tragedy, and doubt as well as hope."
(Artshub)

Composer/Music Director Anthony Barnhill
Director Gary Abrahams
Concept/Executive Producer/Lyricist Tania de Jong AM
Playwright/Lyricist Jane Bodie
Costume Design Kim Bishop
Sound Design Marcello Lo Ricco
Set Design Jacob Battista
Sound and AV creation and Design Justin Gardam
Lighting Design Harrie Hogan

"Burger brings vivacious warmth and verve to Slawa’s dear sister Rella, raising the stakes of this key relationship by developing palpable chemistry with de Jong"
Man In Chair

Simply Brill

Amelia Ryan, Michaela Burger & Michael Griffiths

Join a stellar cast of Adelaide’s acclaimed cabaret artists, as they celebrate the golden age of rock’n’roll, sexual revolution, and the leaps and bounds of women’s liberation. In a time when men were the producers, promoters, and piano players – women weren’t given a place, so they made one for themselves.

Number 1619 Broadway – the ‘Brill Building’- was the heart of New York’s music scene in the 1960s. It housed some of history’s most prolific female songwriters, including the magnificent Carole King, Cynthia Weil, and Ellie Greenwich. With hits such as ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow?’, ‘You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling’, and ‘Leader of the Pack’, their songs gave voice to an entire generation.

A Migrant's Son

A Migrant's Son

"A blazing life-force"
The Age

Direct from a sell-out season at Adelaide Cabaret Festival, A Migrant's Son is a true story exploring migration from Greece to Australia during the 1930’s. This extraordinary new work conveys incredible historical events that are brought to life through original compositions, creating a unique and touching account that is both hard-hitting and hilarious.

Written and performed by award winning cabaret star Michaela Burger (Exposing Edith), this is a tale about a man, the son of a poor migrant, who defied all odds and rose above adversity. From early morning deliveries for the family bakery at age seven, down opal mines in Coober Pedy and opening a chain of discount supermarkets, his unrelenting determination to build a successful life is comical and dramatic; as he pushes through like an unstoppable force and is willing to sacrifice everything for his family. 

Featuring traditional instruments, including bouzouki, the show touches deeply on topics of racism, intolerance, judgement and the struggles presented by migration. Spanning nearly 90 years, it presents the audience with a deep appreciation of what Australia has offered migrants of past generations and of today. Through the engagement of community choirs as part of the show, there is also an elevated feeling of community-spirit and diversity.

MORE reviews

"A far-reaching generational story that crosses divides, ignites memories and pulls at your heart-strings...Burger's voice can stir your most deepest and darkest emotions whilst enchanting your aural sensibilities." (Stage Whispers)

"[In] her strikingly original show [Burger] stakes a credible claim to be one of Australia’s leading voices not only in cabaret, but much further afield." 
(The Advertiser)

‘Her song-writing and compositions are a testament to artistry’
(In Daily)

"What makes this show special…Burger has written the songs and music which she sings with such clarity and feeling that you know they come from the heart. They tell a story and it's a good one. It is the story that millions of Australians could relate [to]"
(Australian Stage)

"An exquisitely created production…some of the vocal gymnastics performed on the night were simply mind-blowing"
(Broadway World)

"Burger’s emotionally powered narrative was one the most passionate and heartfelt I’ve seen in any cabaret show"
(Arts Review)

Original music and story by Michaela Burger
Music arranged and produced by Dave Higgins
Musical direction by Carol Young
Directed by Jane Packham
Song development mentoring by Jethro Woodward
Dramaturge Sally Hardy

Image: Claudio Raschella

"An astonishing voice, packed with knockout power and an ability to wrench emotion out of lyrics."
Libel Music, NZ

Exposing Edith

Exposing Edith

Exposing Edith is a cabaret tale of the legendary Piaf, performed by Michaela Burger (vocals) and Greg Wain (guitar). This breathtaking show is a stunning mix of authentic, vintage French pop and contemporary sounds, featuring classics alongside lesser-known gems, celebrating Piaf's life and loves, and marking 100 years since her birth.

"Melbourne hosted outstanding portraits of great singers—Exposing Edith is there with the best."
The Age

From critically acclaimed seasons at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Leicester Square Theatre, Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Festival of Voices, 10 Days On The Island, Fringe World and Auckland International Cabaret Festival, winner Best Cabaret Adelaide Fringe 2016 and nominated for a Helpmann Academy, Exposing Edith charts the tragic life of arguably the greatest French singer of all time, Edith Piaf. Experience her life, loves and losses through the songs that shot her to stardom including La Vie en Rose, Milord and Non, je ne regrette rien.

Created and performed by Michaela Burger [vocals] and Greg Wain [guitar], Exposing Edith is a stunning mix of authentic French chanson and contemporary sounds. Having explored the undertones of Piaf's vocals and lyrics, Burger and Wain have created their own unique interpretations of Piaf’s work, using voice and acoustic guitar and the subtle use of loop, delay and effect pedals.

The songs are punctuated with a collection of extraordinary stories of Piaf’s life which are recounted by Burger, who also takes on a multitude of key characters, from Edith’s half-sister Momone, to several of her lovers and, of course, Edith Piaf herself.

Winner of International Cabaret Contest and nominated for Best Cabaret Fringeworld, Perth, Libbi Gorr, ABC Melbourne called the show “Sublime!”, Glam Adelaide said it was “moving and hypnotic, more than worthy of the standing ovation”, RipitUp reported “absolutely stunning, possibly the closest you’ll get to Piaf in this day and age ” and Kryztoff gave it five stars saying “A brilliant portrayal of [Piaf’s] vulnerability, feistiness, strength and passion...the initially restrained audience were soon drawn into exuberant applause, laughter, cheering and sighing”.

Burger has been dubbed as Australia’s very own ‘little sparrow’ with The Age describing her as “A blazing life force in her evocation of Piaf” and Planet Arts Melbourne stating “an enormously deep and tremendous voice, with a richness of passion. The interpretation is so near to perfect and the resemblance to Piaf so uncanny, I felt tingles down my spine”.

Created and performed by Michaela Burger and Greg Wain, Exposing Edith is a breathtaking cabaret tale of the legendary Edith Piaf - her life and loves, her soul and songs - revealed as never before. This is a short extract taken from the show at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2015, in the Banquet Room.

Exposing Edith on Good Morning New Zealand!! With Jeanette Thomas and friends! www.exposingedith.com Created and performed by Michaela Burger and Greg Wain, Exposing Edith is a breathtaking cabaret tale of the legendary Edith Piaf - her life and loves, her soul and songs - revealed as never before.

"A blazing life force"
The Age
"Sublime"
Libbi Gorr, ABC Melbourne   
"Standing ovations!"
Glam Adelaide

CHANTEUSE ROSE: THE DIMINUTIVE DIVA

Chanteuse Rose:
The Diminutive Diva

“Highly skilled vocals...excellent grasp of comedy…wonderful knack for characters.”
Adelaide Theatre Guide   
“In contrast to her petite structure,
her voice is colossal.”
Dirt and Candy   

Michaela Burger performing her show Chanteuse Rosé: The Diminutive Diva at The Peacock Tent, Gluttony. Adelaide Fringe 2015. Don't Rain on my Parade Memory [my height words written by Michaela Burger] Girl in 14G Whatever Happened to my Part The Grand Boom Boom [guest appearances Danni McMahon, Sam Dugmore and a man named Paul : )] For more information or to contact Michaela Burger please go to: www.michaelaburger.com Accompanied by Matthew Carey.

Chanteuse Rosé has just won “Coober Pedy’s Next Top Model” and, with the encouragement of her parents, starts a journey around the world to meet her international relatives and plunge into a world of self-discovery! With some very personal takes on musical theatre and other classics and hilarious moments in-between, she is everything a Diminutive Diva should be: saucy, funny and lovable, with a voice to die for!

Chanteuse Rosé will entertain you with her world of French fantasies, naughty niceties and raucous rallying. But as she takes on the wicked in a tale of bravery, tomfoolery and a clear determination to conquer everything and everyone – despite her size – things aren’t always as they seem! It’s definitely ‘life through Rosé’d coloured glasses’! With Chanteuse Rose, the Diminutive Diva on stage you will be guaranteed a magical hour of music, laughter and love, all delivered with her trademark cheeky smile and many ‘oh, la la’s!

Rumpelstiltskin

Rumpelstiltskin

Rumpelstiltskin: Windmill Theatre Co. and State Theatre of South Australia production By Rosemary Myers and Julianne O'Brien Composer/Musical Direction by Jethro Woodward Design Jonathon Oxlade Filmed by Australian National Theatre Live Dunstan Playhouse Adelaide Festival Centre

Spinning straw into gold is a party trick that will take you far. It can buy you a big house full of beautiful things, a wardrobe of designer clothes and a life of total luxury, but money, as they say, can’t buy you…

Two people, once best friends, torn apart by desire for the things they cannot have. This is the story of the ultimate price of greed.

The exquisitely mercurial Paul Capsis stars as a shape-shifting imp whose thirst for vengeance may well bring him undone.

He joins the team that brought you award winning Pinocchio, as they take on a new and equally fantastic fairytale, with their unique brand of theatrical spectacular, rocking music and supreme silliness.

Full of twists and turns, it’s a whole new spin on a heart of gold.

visit Windmill theatre to learn more

Can You Hear Colour?

Can You Hear Colour?

“Blue-violet rocks, speckled with little grey cubes, highlighted by a bit of… gold, red, ruby, and stars of mauve, black and white.” Composer Olivier Messiaen (describing how a particular chord “looks” in his mind).

What if your paint box sang to you? To some, the key of C major is red, to others definitely white. It’s commonplace to talk about a “colourful” score, but for some it’s literally true. What if you were born with this strange gift? Would your paintings harmonize agreeably or turn into a scary brown discordant mess? And how would you feel if the colours on the notes of your xylophone were all “wrong”?

Patch Theatre Company‘s new piece, conceived by Naomi Edwards and composed by Alan John, is an exploration of what music is and an invitation to take time to listen, learn from those who inhabit unfamiliar worlds, and experience life in new ways. Join your kids on an imaginative adventure, a joyous and kaleidoscopic little “opera” featuring the splendid vocals of Michaela Burger (Rumplestiltskin) and Bethany Hill (Saul). You’ll come out humming the rainbow.

visit the Adelaide Festival here to learn more

CRANKY BEAR, PATCH THEATRE COMPANY

Cranky Bear
Patch Theatre Company

National Tour as Lion/Sheep character.

Zebra, Lion and Moose each think they know how to solve the Bear’s crankiness but their shenanigans just make him even crankier! It takes a humble and empathetic Sheep with an open heart and listening ear to solve the Bear’s woes.

Cranky Bear is a rollicking new show by Patch Theatre Company for 4 – 8 year olds packed with laughter, surprise and mayhem.

18 June-6 Aug Cranky Bear