Countdown to the Adelaide Cabaret Festival; Day 8: Alexis Fishman

Alexis Fishman returns to the Adelaide Cabaret Festival with the world premiere of her brand new show "Der Gelbe Stern (The Yellow Star)". Written by James Millar and Fishman, she will dare you to believe.

It is 1933. Erika Stern, darling of the Berlin cabaret, Feisty, sassy, sexy, embodies all the decadence and excess of the Weimar Republic. Tonight, however she also faces her final bow and her destiny in Dachau. For this star of the stage also bears a golden star to denote that she is Jewish. The lights go down and we cannot resist the joy of her rousing, raucous, exhilarating performance - even though we know her fate.

We put Alexis in the Cabaret hot-seat with 10 questions in 10 minutes:

1. What are you looking forward to most about coming to the Adelaide Cabaret Festival?
The atmosphere, it's fantastic! I participated in the festival in 2007 and had a ball. So many wonderful acts - the vibe at the festival centre is electric.

2. What has been your biggest learning curve so far working as a professional performer?
Coming to accept the ups and downs as being inseparable from the business. The concept of 'making it' doesn't really exist - sometimes you're working and sometimes you're not. I've learnt to be grateful for the times I am working, and look at the positive side when I'm not - how many other people can be at the movies on a Tuesday?

3. What has it been like being an Australian living in New York?
It's fantastic, except when people can't understand my accent! People love to talk to me about what a great time they had in Australia when they visited, or how desperately they want to go visit, or how all the Australians they've met are so nice. All I can do is nod my head in agreement!

4. What can audiences expect from "Der Gelbe Stern (The Yellow Star)"?
They can expect to see a piece of theatre that is funny, provocative and hopefully unsettling. It's been a concept that I've had in my head for a very long time, and the subject matter is close to my heart so I'm excited to present it.

5. What do you think "Cabaret" is and why is it different to any other performance art?
Cabaret to me is a genre that straddles theatre and live music. Some cabarets are more theatrical than others whilst some will focus more on the music being presented. But for the most part, Cabaret lives somewhere between the two worlds, which is why it's so interesting, because there is no set formula and you're often getting the best of both worlds.

6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Working on Broadway, enjoying New York and getting back to Australia as often as possible.

7. What would be your advice to young people wanting to break into the industry?
I would advise them to go do a formal training program. The community you become part of at a place like WAAPA is invaluable, that truly was the best thing about my training. You learn so much from others and get to fully immerse yourself in the craft and in the industry in a very unique way.

8. What has been your greatest achievement so far?
I think getting myself to a position where I am able to live and work in New York is one of my greatest achievements. It was at times a very challenging process. Aside from that, my Helpmann nomination for "Dusty" and also my tour to Iraq and Afghanistan to entertain the troops.

9. Who have been your greatest influences as a performer?
I take class with (composer) Craig Carnelia here in New York. He's had a huge influence on my work. My dear friend Tamsin Carroll has also has influenced my work, she is second to none and watching her is a lesson in energy, detail and presence.

10. Who are your top 5 picks for the 2011 Adelaide Cabaret Festival.
Too many to choose!

Alexis Fishman
Der Gelbe Stern (The Yellow Star)
22 - 24 June
6.30pm (22 & 23) & 9pm (24)

Conceived by Alexis Fishman
Written by James Millar and Alexis Fishman
Musical Direction by Michael Lavine
Produced by Joanna Fishman
Directorial support by Tanya Goldberg

Tickets Adult $29 Concession $25
More information: http://www.adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au/Alexis-Fishman.aspx?showid=11

"Gob-smacking... Fishman has a grand voice, pizzazz and charismatic presence. She's sensational!" The Australian.