Fringe festivals by their nature involve a range of artists at different stages of their creative journeys from rank amateurs to seasoned veterans. In many ways the professionals often (and should in my opinion) create opportunities for less experienced and emerging performers to gain valuable stage time and festival exposure. This is a fringe show that is driven primarily by the glitter of sequins, the enthusiasm of the cast and the engagement of the crowd. And that’s okay. Not everything is a big marquis act.

I feel Agua was one such production presented by TDP Productions and the show is a celebration of all things Latin that includes Cuban Salsa, Brazilian Samba and Oriental Dance paired with contemporary dance styles and vocals by Diana Scalzi. The show’s MVP was the glittering and glamorous MC, Coral Bown, who may cha cha cha me anytime. Though most of the cast were amateur level in performance ability, the sheer joy and dynamic energy brought by them was infectious.

It is so clear that Agua has tremendous support in the wider Adelaide community in a packed out audience and as a reviewer, this level of Latin community enthusiasm is a very positive and heartening to see. It necessary for local artists to grow and evolve from amateurs to emerging and establish artists, besides the tradition of arts mentorship and performing creatives communities. Shows need excited and passionate audiences like the one of the thriving Latin South Australians.

However in my experience, sometimes a production can be a little too over ambitious and do too much, which can leave an audience overwhelmed in the space of a single hour. I feel that may the case for Agua. Though the show was supposed to be thematically connected by the Latin ritual language of water as a sacred cleansing element, there was a disconnect from how it related to the various acts I was seeing. There was so much going on that it was hard for me as an audience member to connect how this was the journey of a water tiger (a Chinese, not a Latin zodiac animal which I find puzzling.)

I will give the show props for the wonderful diversity of Latin culture, music and movement. It was a novelty what they did include! It is a visual spectacle with some of the best couture costumes and stage production values I’ve seen in an amateur level production. I think with the dancing, there were some really amazing choreographic moments that really had the potential to really hit hard if the dancers just let go and own those moments. You have the talent, my loves, so I encourage them to stop being hesitant and dance in the present. You can slay, my Latin Queens, and I really want you to shine over opening weekend!

I admit perhaps kettle drums are not my artistic spirit instrument (possibly the world’s tiniest violin in this review) but SaSamba, the Latin drumming band, were obviously having fun and the audience really engaged with their joy and vibrancy. They were polished, professional and definitely elevated the show level by what they brought with the perfect performance of a well honed orchestra. They were having fun and so we did too.