Self-reflection, cabaret style
| Self-reflection, cabaret style |
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When most artists decide to take a break from the rush and turmoil of everyday life, they find a nice secluded retreat in the mountains in order to refine their craft. Not so for Zac Gower; he’s spent six weeks in rural Tasmania surrounded by rowdy elementary school children whilst composing his latest cabaret, Zac Gower is: a lying, cheating pervert! While the title alone gives you some idea what to expect from Zac, he’s also happy to fill in any gaps. Sitting down for an interview in Prahran on an early Sunday morning, Zac looks quite hungover, but still appears enthusiastic about his latest project. “Actually,” he corrects, “it’s probably because I think I’m still drunk from last night.” That explains it. With much-needed coffee in hand, Zac takes a moment to summarise his latest work. “I’ve realized I’m not a nice person. The cabaret is a chance to take a long look at myself and all the trouble I’ve managed to get in over the years. I question how I got myself into the messes I have, and address the most important question of all…” he says. He turns his head suddenly and his attention wanders for a moment, until the slightly awkward silence snaps him back to the conversation. “Sorry, I was just checking out that waiter’s butt. Where were we?” After catching him back up, he smiles. “Oh. The important question is whether or not I want to get out of those messes.” A recent graduate of the Ballarat Arts Academy, Zac puts his musical theatre training to good use in a touring company, performing educational shows in elementary schools Australia-wide. Six weeks in rural Tasmania meant Zac had a lot of after-school time on his hands. “It was a great time for self-reflection,” he recalls. “But there were no opportunities to create more material for the show. I had to create a rule that reminded me a guy you’d say ‘yes’ to in Tasmania was probably a ‘no’ in Melbourne.” Instead, Zac was forced to create anecdotes from his multitude of yeses in Melbourne. Still, he does have a sensitive side. “Actually, there was one guy who managed to fit the bill and show me the exciting side of Tasmania. It’s almost a shame I had to come back to ‘the mainland’ for work.” He also has a professional side as well; his rather risqué show still manages to have the full approval of his touring company colleagues. “My bosses love the idea and have said they’re all coming to opening night.” Surely the cabaret is a vehicle for change in Zac’s life? “At any point, if you take a look at yourself like this, you’re going to grow in some way. That I’ve been able to add in some song and dance is just an added bonus,” he laughs, before stopping abruptly. “Though, I hope I don’t change too much – I can already see a second show in the works. Something like, Zac Gower is: cute, but psycho.”
Zac Gower is: a lying, cheating pervert! runs from June 19-22 at the Butterfly Club, 204 Bank St, South Melbourne. Bookings through www.thebutterflyclub.com or (03) 9690 2000.
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Steve Wright catches up with a lying, cheating pervert.
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