Armed with a voice that begs you to listen and an eclectic mix of powerhouse hits, Carla Anita Mattiazzo invites you into her experience as an Italian woman in Australia. That’s NOT Amore is an unapologetically feminist cabaret, shining a light on the epidemic of violence against women and the inherited values and traumas connected to it. Mattiazzo explores what is and isn’t amore: for example, your lover knowing your favourite snack is amore, while only seeing women as valuable if they are connected to a man is most definitely NOT amore.

Seamlessly weaving from song into monologue and back, Mattiazzo demolishes the stereotype of a ‘good Italian woman’ with flair, humour and love. Accompanied by Ciara Ferguson on keys and occasional harmonies, the music beautifully punctuates the light and funny bits of the show, adding depth to the more serious moments. While each song showcases Mattiazzo’s powerful, genre-defying vocals, a real highlight is a raw, moving rendition of Beyoncé’s ‘Listen’.

Alongside hilarious stories of life, culture, and famiglia, we are reminded that life is too short to play games when it comes to love. Loving yourself is a huge part of that; missing out on this show would most certainly be NOT amore.