Tracey Yarad is a remarkable performer. Living the life she has lived, experiencing the pain that she’s endured, suffering the loss that she’s gone through, would have given anyone the right to just stay in bed, quit, and just let life pass her by. But that is not in her character. Don’t get me wrong, she did spend a couple of years in the darkness. But with the help of family, friends, and an unwavering strength, Tracey has turned that pain into a show for the Adelaide Fringe and called it All These Pretty Things.

I think this is Tracey’s 83rd time performing all These Pretty Things. Taking this show all around the world, I believe it’s sort of cathartic for her to let her grief out onstage. In the tiny Arthur Art Bar room, where the show is being performed, Tracey and the audience are in for a whole lot of other pain, as there is no air conditioning, the lights are bright, and the room is stifling hot. This doesn’t detract from Tracey’s performance, though. She doesn’t complain once, as she recounts her life, married to a man for twenty-three years before finding out he’s been cheating on her with their 18-year-old goddaughter. At the age of 55, how will Tracey continue with her life?

Through music, song and words, we hear her grief. Her tears well up at times, telling her story, but she carries on. This woman has strength, courage and a conviction not to let any man bring her down. And through literal sweat dripping down my forehead, I can’t help but be impressed by the bravery she demonstrates on stage. Moving across the world to start a whole new life would be daunting for anyone at any age. But this woman showed she doesn’t need to wear a black wedding dress to perform (as she did in her first 79 shows). Her clever song writing ability, mastery of spoken word, and dramatic flair were all the pretty things needed to make this show truly memorable. 

****1/2 Four and a Half Stars