New Perth team, Ardent Artiste Productions, bring to the stage Neurodiversity Unmasked, their FRINGE WORLD debut. An hour-long journey from diagnosis through struggle to acceptance, showcasing personal perspectives on the topic from artists who are neurodivergent themselves.

There’s a lot to take in, from waiting at a therapist’s office, to judgemental parents at school pick up, to wider family and their terrible takes on what autism should look like. MC Kitty Obsidian skilfully connects these disparate dots to the performances, in mere thirty to sixty second bursts between acts.

The burlesque tonight leans more towards art than the tease, the audience’s appreciation hushed rather than raucous. The subtext, so often hidden in the artform, is front and centre this evening. There’s a lot to think about, and every single performer brings their best.

Busty Bubbles, with a unique take on show don’t tell of wearing a mask to the world. Porcelain Doll, somehow making a meltdown seem glorious. Sian Brigid, the poise and wonder of an art deco statuette, creating her own bubbles of joy.

Two stunning songstresses punctuate the display. Aria Scarlett, voice soaring, to a string arrangement of Radiohead’s Creep. Hitting the high notes and holding them, their opera training on full display. And Cece Desist, closing the show with a stellar rendition of I Am What I Am. Both stars, never to be on a chorus line again.

At the heart of the hour, however, is Mellogamy Muse with her own deeply personal and heartfelt poetry on the topic. All artists tonight are neurodivergent, all have brought their own perspectives to the stage, but it is Mellogamy’s spoken word that remains most in mind well after leaving the venue.

Unmasked is far from the regular burlesque evening – circling directly back to the theme of what “regular” means. Not your average bump and grind, much brain thinking required. Parts are challenging, parts are triumphant, the audience feels the performers’ lived experiences, and everyone is on top form.

And, for a brand new collective to assemble this absolute firecracker cast so quickly for their first FRINGE WORLD show, the sky is literally the limit for 2024.