Ready for a history lesson like no other? Unleash your inner rebel at Bad Girls of History; an electrifying audio-visual live DJ set currently making waves at this year’s Adelaide Fringe Festival. Presented by the unstoppable DJ Carly Gray, this isn’t just another dance party; it’s a fierce celebration of every badass woman past and present who broke the rules, defied expectations, and changed the course of history. Set to a killer playlist featuring modern-day female musical icons, this immersive experience brings together pulsating beats, synchronised visuals, and an infectious energy that’ll have you singing and up on your feet dancing through history like never before.
Behind the decks and the dazzling visuals is Melbourne-based DJ Carly Gray, who’s been shaking up dance floors since 2013. Carly isn’t just a DJ: she’s a visual artist, animator, and music producer who has been redefined what it means to be a typical “DJ.” With custom animations and visuals designed from her unique, feminine perspective, Carly takes us on a wild ride through history; but make it fun, colourful, and unapologetically feminist. In the words of Carly herself, “Bad Girls is a history lesson like no other. I want audiences to leave proud of the achievements of women and inspired to be their best bad selves.” And trust us, you’ll leave this show feeling empowered and ready to smash the patriarchy.
Setting the stage as the venue for this one-of-a-kind show is The Lab at ILA – Adelaide’s Centre of Immersive Light and Art. Located in the heart of the city on Light Square, The Lab is home to over 50 square metres of LED screens, making it the perfect canvas for Carly Gray’s visually stunning set. A playground for creativity and immersive art, The Lab is where boundaries are pushed, new tech is explored, and unforgettable experiences are born, with Bad Girls of History encompassing of the above.
History class just got a serious glow up, and Professor/DJ Carly Gray is here to school you on how history is really made. Forget everything you know about the boring, outdated history lectures of the past; Bad Girls of History is a high-energy, time-traveling, dance revolution, where the rebellious women who changed the world are celebrated in neon lights and pounding dance beats.
The journey kicks off with the original rule-breaker Eve from the biblical Garden of Eden, before launching into an awe-inspiring exploration of women throughout history who refused to play by the rules. Greek goddesses like Venus, ancient Egypt’s fiercest femmes, Joan of Arc, and the wives of Henry VIII lead the charge, followed by British queens who left their mark on the throne.
Bad Girls of History celebrates the women who shaped culture, too. We roll into literary legends like Jane Austen, Mary Shelley, and Margaret Atwood, before turning to iconic film characters from Wonder Woman to Charlie’s Angels. And then, a full-on pink explosion to honour plastic yet fantastic feminist icon Barbie, reminding us that feminism and femininity are not mutually exclusive.
The show takes a powerful turn when the spotlight shines on Australian feminist icons and the unforgettable dialogue from Julia Gillard’s Misogyny Speech fills the air, rallying the crowd together for a powerful, unified chant of solidarity. From there, the 80s and 90s take over, with tributes to Whitney Houston, Madonna, and the Spice Girls: icons who defined girl power for an entire generation.
The grand finale: a remixed mash-up of Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cindi Lauper and Run the World (Girls) by Beyoncé, with all of the many legendary women flashing across the LED screens, celebrating their collective power. For one last encore, DJ Carly Gray jumps into the crowd for a final dance to Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan, hugging, singing and dancing with attendees, ensuring everyone leaves feeling like they can conquer the world.
The overall soundtrack? Chef’s kiss. Carly brings us iconic tunes from artists like Rihanna, Icona Pop and Natasha Bedingfield just to name a few, each track an anthem of rebellion, joy, and female empowerment. But what truly elevates the experience is the mind-blowing visuals. The LED screens light up with portraits of these historical bad girls, bringing their stories to life in vibrant, larger-than-life detail.
If history class was always as fun as Bad Girls of History, we’d all be history buffs by now. This isn’t any ordinary Fringe show; it’s a high-voltage celebration of girlhood, rebellion, and all-around badassery. The effervescent DJ Carly Gray combines fierce visuals, undeniably catchy tunes, and a strong feminist message to bring us a history lesson that’s equal parts empowering and entertaining. From iconic anthems to jaw-dropping visuals, this is the feminist dance party of your dreams. So grab your squad, your dancing shoes, and don your best karaoke voice; Bad Girls of History is the show to be at this Adelaide Fringe season. But hurry, there are only two more chances to join the celebration: Saturday 1 March at 6pm and 8pm. Don’t miss out on the most fun history lesson you’ll ever have!