Interview by Markus Hamence – 26 December 2024, Adelaide South Australia
Markus Hamence: Good afternoon Ben, I’m keen to find out about this 2025 Adelaide Fringe show. So, tell me, what is ‘Smiling In The Dark’ about?
Ben Davenport: It is about the human tendency to hide behind a smile. It is about peeling back the masks we wear, and seeing what lies beneath. Smiling in the dark is 7 real world stories of trauma, addiction, self understanding. At its heart it is an immersive and experimental horror show, while also being a social statement designed to help us question why we make the judgements we do. Society is filled with examples of people who could have had very successful and fulfilling lives, but were cut short by addiction, trauma, and the struggle to fit into society. Too often we see marginalised people being judged for the ways they try to cope, with very little weight given to why they are in this circumstance in the first place.
Markus: What is the message behind the show?
Ben: The message behind Smiling in the Dark is about exploring the hidden aspects of our lives and questioning the judgments we often make about others. It’s a call to look beyond the superficial smiles and masks people wear, to understand the deeper stories of trauma, addiction, and resilience. By presenting these real-world stories, the show aims to highlight the struggles many face in their quest to fit into society and the often harsh judgments they encounter. It challenges the audience to empathize with those who are marginalized and to consider the complex circumstances that shape their lives.
Moreover, the show emphasizes our collective social responsibility. It urges us to recognize that our actions and attitudes can contribute to the challenges faced by marginalized individuals, often without us realizing it. By fostering a greater sense of compassion and understanding, Smiling in the Dark encourages us to reflect on how we can be more supportive and inclusive in our communities.
Markus: Where did the inspiration come from?
Ben: The inspiration for Smiling in the Dark came from real-life stories, some of which are personally connected to me. However, a significant catalyst was the shocking and tragic death of mukbanger Pan Xiaoting. During her final moments, while live-streaming, the lack of immediate help from viewers was mind-blowing. Instead, comments such as “We love you” and “More content please” poured in, even as a medical emergency unfolded. This stark contrast between the online audience’s response and the real-life tragedy was both shocking and deeply motivating for me.
It highlighted a critical issue that I felt compelled to bring to light, among many others. The show aims to explore these unsettling aspects of our society and encourage reflection and empathy.
Markus: What can audiences expect?
Ben: Audiences can expect an immersive experience featuring a blend of poetic spoken word, which intricately weaves together the various stories within the narrative. The production showcases a diverse array of elements, including drag, drama, dance, aerial lyra and chains, live body modification, and live vocals.
These elements come together to create a powerful and multifaceted performance that challenges and captivates the audience. While audiences can expect to be challenged, they will also be supported throughout this process. We have organized for a psychotherapist to attend all performances, ensuring that audience members who wish to further explore these issues have professional support available.
Markus: Tell us about the artists involved?
Ben: Smiling in the Dark features a remarkable cast of ten talented artists, each bringing their unique skills and perspectives to the production. Organizing such a diverse ensemble was no easy task, but the result is a rich tapestry of performances that captivate and challenge the audience.
As the writer and director, I’ve infused the narrative with depth and emotional resonance, drawing on my experience to shape the production from the ground up.
Producer and Lead Character: Leanne Williamson, who not only produces the show but also delivers beautiful and melodic spoken word as the lead character, adds a powerful dimension to the narrative.
The cast includes a dynamic mix of performers:
Vocalists Jolie Mystique and Renee Deblaauw: Their evocative and haunting voices add an emotional depth that resonates throughout the performance.
Lyra Specialist Ash Stone: Her aerial lyra performance, done in a classical ballet style, en pointe, brings an ethereal and powerful presence to the stage.
Aerial Artist Morgan Staines: Specializing in chain aerial and more, her performances elevate the visual storytelling.
Suspension Piercing Artists Jasper Saffron and Allen Logan: This dynamic duo is amongst the world’s best at their art, pushing boundaries and challenging perceptions.
Drag Queen Ali Holic: Adding a layer of dramatic flair and gender-fluid artistry to the production.
Dancers Darren Williamson and Morgan Staines: Delivering a haunting and beautiful partnered dance that enhances the narrative through movement.
I will also be adding my own style of gender-fluidity to this array of incredible performers, with a performance of my own.
Each artist in the ensemble has contributed their unique talents to create a multifaceted and immersive experience. The collective efforts of my entire cast have been humbling to say the least, I am so impressed with them all.
Markus: How do you select the artists to help tell the story?
Ben: Selecting the right artists to help tell the story is a crucial part of the creative process.
I look for individuals who not only possess exceptional talent but also have a deep understanding and connection to the themes we’re exploring. For this production, it was essential to find artists who could bring authenticity and emotional depth to their performances. E
ach artist was chosen for their unique skills and their ability to contribute to the multi-layered narrative. For example, Jolie Mystique and Renee Deblaauw were selected for their evocative vocal abilities, which add an emotional resonance to the spoken word segments.
Ash Stone was chosen for her both her aerial lyra and her exceptional ability to deliver emotion through her eyes, which enhances the ethereal quality of the performance.
The dynamic duo of Jasper Saffron and Allen Logan, who are easily among the world’s best at suspension piercing, were brought on board to challenge perceptions and push boundaries.
Likewise, the diverse talents of Morgan Staines, Darren Williamson, and Ali Holic were integral in creating a rich and varied performance that speaks to the complex themes of the show.
Ultimately, it’s about creating a collaborative environment where each artist’s unique talents and perspectives can shine, contributing to a cohesive and powerful storytelling experience. The synergy of these diverse talents is what brings Smiling in the Dark to life.
Markus: How important is it for you to tell the stories of life as an artist?
Ben: It is the very reason I do what I do. I am passionate about telling the truths that we, as a society, often overlook or shy away from. How else can we grow as a society if we do not have these stories of life to learn from, to be challenged by? I believe that art is a mechanism which we can utilise for growth, and performance art is just the perfect place to explore these issues. More than this though, I feel inspired to tell the stories so they are not forgotten. It is an homage to those who have come before.
Markus: What do you love about the Adelaide fringe?
Ben: The shows, the buzz, the life! Honestly, where else can you see so many different types of performances? I love that Fringe support emerging artists by providing a platform to utilise, and more than that it is a time when our city is exposed to culture, art and learning – essentially my happy place.
Markus: What is another Adelaide fringe show you’re looking forward to seeing?
Ben: I’m hoping that our dates won’t clash, but I am really looking forward to seeing Tracey O’Callaghan with her new show ‘Brains, Balls, & Banter’ at The Jade. I have seen her poetry performed at local open mic poetry nights and have always been impressed. I believe this is her first one woman show too, which is even more exciting.
Markus: Whats next for Ben Davenport?
Ben: Whats next is more stories, and more growth. A novel! Or three, actually. I have completed my first manuscript and im furiously working away at the second, with a third planned. These are a deeply personal exploration of what it is like to live with fibromyalgia as both a performance artist and an occultist. This was originally a screenplay, but i just could not stop writing, so it is becoming a trilogy of novels – so far.
Thanks for the chat Ben and all the best for an amazing 2025 Adelaide Fringe 🙂
Smiling in the Dark:
Step into a world where dark secrets lie behind the mask of a smile. ‘Smiling in the Dark’ weaves through the stories of broken souls—addicts, performers, victims of trauma—each struggling beneath societal pressures. Told through visceral spoken word, live music, and stunning performances, the show explores the devastating effects of addiction, body image, unspoken pain, and the human tendency to hide behind a smile. Immerse yourself in a narrative that reveals the haunting truths we often overlook and challenges us to reflect on our own perceptions. Dare to look behind the mask. Dare to understand.
28 February – 22 March 2025
Old Adelaide Gaol
Tickets for the show here!
