Grace Bellavue was a high-class sex worker, who rose to meteoric fame on social media. She was an activist and modern-day maverick, until suddenly, she died… Award winning artist Michaela Burger (A Migrant’s Son, Exposing Edith) explores her legacy in this one-woman show. Through Grace’s writing – unpublished hip hop lyrics, monologues, and musings – Burger explores her multifaceted life. Her outrageously funny wit and charm, fearlessness and ‘f*ck it’ outlook on life will seduce you into marching with this social justice warrior who was determined to decriminalise the sex industry
Q&A with Michaela Burger
How does it feel to be returning to Edinburgh Fringe?
I am super excited to be returning to Edinburgh Fringe. This will be my fifth year. I love the city, I love the festival and I love people. It feels the usual thrill mixed with terror, which is quite a normal emotional combo these days.
What can you tell us about your show and its inspiration?
Grace was a high-class sex worker, who rose to meteoric fame on social media. She was an activist, prolific writer and modern-day maverick, until suddenly, she died. Following the success of my cabaret shows – A Migrant’s Son and Exposing Edith – I was approached by Grace Bellavue’s mother, Lyn O’Sullivan, to tell her story. Lyn entrusted me with Grace’s legacy of unpublished writing – hip hop lyrics, poetry, monologues, and musings. In The State of Grace I use these writings, Grace’s actual words, to unveil her multifaceted life. Grace’s outrageously funny wit and charm, fearlessness and ‘f*ck it’ outlook on life will seduce you into marching with this social justice warrior who was determined to decriminalise the sex industry. My key inspiration is wanting to continue Grace’s legacy and share her perspective, as she was systematically prevented from speaking for herself.
How do you think audiences will react to the show
So far, the previews of the show have sparked incredibly important conversations. The show inspires, invigorates and captures audiences in an unexpected way.
How have you been preparing for the festival?
Writing, editing, designing, photoshoots, social media posts, costumes, learning script, rehearsing…and the list goes on.
Will you get a chance to enjoy the rest of the festival?
Hopefully! Once I’ve started the run, I will try to see as many other shows as possible.
