In Between The Cracks
Yana Alana is the alter ego of Sarah Ward; she is honest and provocative so you best pay attention because this chanteuse has something to say. Beneath the blue wig and even bluer body paint is a woman with a message and she will go to any lengths to make sure you never forget it or her. Her accompanist Louise Goh on keyboard manages to irritate Yana on more than one occasion and is quickly put in her place with her barbed tongue; after all it is a one-woman show.
If you can ignore the bravado what you discover throughout the performance is an insecure soul who has had to channel her disappointment at the world into song. Singing and talking openly about mental illness, sexuality, gender and the fear that wraps this altogether is poignant at times and hilarious and cringe worthy for most of the time.
This woman is in your face, interacting with the audience with side-splitting results. Her deeply confessional show is a chance for like-minded folk to take solace in the realisation that it’s ok to be a freak.
In between the social commentary was a show packed with satirical tunes. Songs were still delivered with a cabaret flair and Ms Alana showed why she is an award winning performer, even drowning out the voice of one Marcia Hines in the tent next door. The last song of the evening was sublime.
In between the cracks channels Sarah’s real life challenges into an outrageous hour of emotional upheaval through the voice of Yana Alana. Do not miss this show or you too may feel blue.
Kerry Cooper
Adelaide Fringe 2015 Previews.
flowerchildren – the mamas and papas story
More Adelaide Fringe Reviews
Subscribe to our E-Newsletter, buy our latest print edition or find a Performing Arts book at Book Nook.