Nineteen Ten comes alive with a kaleidoscopic blend of circus, physical theatre and cabaret that will have you up all night. From Rising Phoenix Productions, Dreamstate is a mesmerising one-hour line-up of local talent with an otherworldly, reality-bending aesthetic. The show explores the world of dreams, the makeup of the inner universe and the unconscious thoughts and feelings that guide us.

We are guided through this night by The Sandman, aka Shane Berketa. Mr See Do Eat Review himself goes through the looking glass as the night's MC. Shane makes no secret that performing is not his forte, but he does a terrific job for his Fringe debut. His affable nature and down-to-earth personality make him not just a good host but a good contrast for the ethereal performers. It helps reset the gaze each time he introduces a new guest to the stage. Creative risks are a rarity among experienced producers and production companies, and a willingness to try something different deserves applause.

With a little sleep theory peppered throughout, there's a strong conceptual flow that ties each performance together. Dreams act as a metaphor for liberation, and each circus stunt and choreographed dance piece reflects this idea. Desire, intimacy, anxiety and freedom are demonstrated through rhythmic movement and carefully chosen music. The use of fabric and texture particularly took me as a metaphor for the space between the world of dreams and reality. This is especially potent with an entrancing entrance from Petit Miam and Skylar, with a long piece of blue fabric enveloping the stage area and surrounding pool.

The cast is one of exceptional Adelaide-based talent, and there's something to enjoy in every routine. Kalikah has us spellbound with her incredible poise and core control in a belly-dancing piece complete with dual swords balanced upon her head. Powerhouse aerialist Saz pulls off a low-hanging silks routine that seems impossible to execute with only two metres of vertical space, yet she makes it look effortless. Evie is an impossibly lithe and flexible contortionist who bewitches with a dance so fluid you’d think her bones had turned into liquid. Venus Velocity - in a stunning debut at Nineteen Ten - captivates with an LED-lined outfit complete with lasers in her fingertips, a human light show with a burlesque edge. Pole Zebra is ungodly sensual in a flying pole act that left the audience stunned. Miss Teaser Amore, absolutely enchanting in white, alluring all with a sensual burlesque number.  And then there’s headliner and producer Fawn Phoenix, forever an enchanting presence when she takes the stage. Resplendent in a mandarin gown that glows in vibrant blues and greens, she finishes out the night with her trademark flaming hoop act and beautiful choreography.

I personally would have loved to see a stronger sense of immersiveness in the visual department (use of lights, steam, visual cues to represent the ascent into a dreamstate). There was also an undeniable undercurrent of nerves, very understandable given the newcomers among the cast. But the polish shone through with an overall harmonious vision and some of the most artistically impressive moments I’ve witnessed at Nineteen Ten. I was very impressed with the composure on stage, even when faced by a crowd that felt more stilted than your typical burlesque audience.

Visually striking, ethereal and beautifully atmospheric, Dreamstate is a psychedelic cabaret experience like no other. It captivates with a cohesive balance between thrilling entertainment and contemplative performance art. I wouldn’t be surprised if Rising Phoenix returns to this show in the future! 

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