Have you ever thought about what a revolution it is to do things that bring you pleasure? To step outside the box, colour outside the lines, and be unapologetically yourself? Thankfully, Piera Dennerstein is doing exactly that in her new show, Pursuing Pleasure.

Opening with a rousing rendition of Habanera from the famously controversial opera Carmen, Piera commands the attention of the crowd from the very first note. Thoughtfully exploring themes of intimate partner violence, self-love, expression, and acceptance, Piera talks candidly about her own life, the people who have inspired her, and the arias she loves. She does so with such grace, vulnerability, and a sprinkle of lightheartedness that I almost forgot she was speaking to an entire crowd.

Despite opera being a rigid, rule-bound art and being told throughout her career that she was bound to be in the chorus line, Piera persevered—and thank the opera gods she did! Showcasing her incredible operatic talents with classic arias from Puccini and Wagner, she also weaves in more modern tunes, including the Cardi B classic WAP and a fabulous performance of Aria of the Krill from The Rapture. Curvaceous and confident, Piera’s range and skill are never-ending.

An energetic performance of Man! I Feel Like a Woman had the crowd singing and dancing along, inspiring and encouraging us all to take a bit more pleasure out into our own lives—because let’s face it, we all deserve a little more joy!

Pursuing Pleasure is a great show for fans of opera and feminism alike!