Piera Dennerstein
‘Welcome to all my secrets.’Opera singer turned curvaceous cabaret cantatrice Piera Dennerstein (Finucane & Smith) shares the intimate truths of her body and mind in this sexy, silly and deeply human solo show - winner of the Fringe World Weekly Award 2025.
Using the exceptional versatility of her voice in everything from Puccini to Cardi B, Piera tells the story, with humour, sincerity and hope, of her experiences forming her values as she recovered from the toxicity of the opera industry and intimate partner abuse. Extrapolated from a poem she wrote in 2020 entitled, 'This is what my body was built for', this work will explore how leaning into the pleasurable - demonstrated in the operatic and sensual - as long as it causes no harm to others, is a powerful political act.
With dramaturgy by Melbourne Fringe Living Legend Moira Finucane, and from the director of Skank Sinatra, Olivia Charalambous, this deeply personal work boldly continues Piera’s aim of blurring the boundary between high and low art. In exposing all, Piera hopes to provide those who have survived rejection and oppression an opportunity to feel seen, find hope, and have a much-deserved giggle.
Presented by Piera Dennerstein
“The show is a masterclass in storytelling. Piera eloquently narrates her experiences [and] perfectly showcases her vocal prowess. Her emotive, powerhouse voice is absolutely captivating, leaving a lasting impression as it flowed through my entire body as she effortlessly performed even the most complex of arias.” ★★★★★ – Perth Happenings
