Polytoxic are known for their hyper-visual, pop-inspired performance work, and the glamour and drama of 'In Your Dreams' is sure to be no different. We're living in a brave new world, so why not celebrate it to the most fantastical extent?

It's been 22 years since Polytoxic was first founded by Lisa Fa'alafi and Fez Fa'anana. In the years since, the company has evolved, grown, morphed and shifted – recruiting Leah Shelton from 2002 and working with the likes of Kim ‘Busty Beatz’ Bowers, Natano Fa’anana, Mark Winmill, Amanda-Lyn Pearson, Liesel Zink, Sammie Williams, Nerida Matthaei, Anni Davey, Jaxzyn, Samuel Tupou, Pete Foley, Craig & Karl and optikal bloc.

Now, the company have created a utopia in 'In Your Dreams'. A world where everyone who feels like they don't belong gets to not only shine, but thrive, and be recognised in all the ways they deserve to be recognised.

Here, Polytoxic leaders Lisa Fa’alafi & Leah Shelton tell us more about their MELT Festival offering.

First of all, tell us a bit about Polytoxic as a collective.
Polytoxic is a sexy as hell, sweaty, and unapologetic collective of fierce performance renegades led by two intersectional feminist artists at the top of their game: Lisa Fa’alafi and Leah Shelton. In our other lives, Lisa spends her time decolonising the world with the smash-hit 'Hot Brown Honey'; and Leah has been touring her psycho-siren works 'Batsh.t', 'Bitch On Heat' and 'Terror Australis'. We are here to take a sledgehammer to the system with our high-octane cocktail of cabaret, theatre and activism – sh.t-funny, fully-loaded and flammable AF.

As a collective, what is something you are always trying to do with your works?
Activism is a massive part of what we do, so we’re always trying to create a space were we can feel all the feels alongside our audience – to rage at the state of the world; to celebrate the diverse beauty of who we all are; and to dare to imagine the future we know we want – a brave new world that is inclusive, intersectional and multi-layered. We are in a time where people everywhere are screaming “enough is enough”. We want to add our voices to this throng and share our diverse perspectives, stories and experiences.

Polytoxic is presenting a new work at MELT, called ‘In Your Dreams’. What can audiences expect from that?
This is going to be one helluva party! We have assembled a killer crew for 'In Your Dreams', with each performer serving up their own unique style – there will be stunning aerials, epic vocals, beatboxing, hoops, street dance, lip-sync, drag, performance art and a whole lot of glamour, drama and world-class-big-c...y entertainment.

And what was the inspiration behind the show’s creation?
We wanted to curate a show that celebrates the brilliant glass-ceiling smashing, system dismantling, genderqueer, fiercely intersectional artists we see around us, doing incredible work on the daily. This is our 'dream' world – a fantastical VIP-style party where the queers, outcasts and political activists are celebrated and win the awards they deserve.

What has been the most rewarding part about putting it together?
For me, it’s always about the people. We have such a powerhouse team of artists working on this show, and so the chance to play together and celebrate our fierceness is hands down the most rewarding thing about this show. I am in awe of every single person in the line-up!

What draws you to MELT as a festival?
MELT is such an incredible celebration of queer art and ideas – and it looks like this year will go above and beyond! We are so honoured and excited to be in this programme alongside so many incredible artists. . . And cannot wait to check out all the treats in store. I’ve heard rumours of neon chapels, pleasuredomes and secret cinemas – so I am looking forward to reveling in the thrills.

And what are you most excited for when it comes to Polytoxic being involved this year?
I cannot wait for audiences to meet the 'In Your Dreams' crew – our line-up for this show is NEXT-LEVEL! We have Alinta Mcgrady, Kim ‘Busty Beatz’ Bowers, Lilikoi Kaos, Mayu Muto, Matehaere Hope Haami Aka Hope One, Gogo Bumhole, Richie Lestrange, Rhythmology (alongside ourselves, Lisa Fa’alafi & Leah Shelton - you can’t keep us off the stage!). From earth-moving vocals to gravity-defying aerials to subversive performance-art – this cast will slay you with their talent.

What are three things you’d like audiences to feel when they’re leaving a performance of ‘In Your Dreams’?
We want our audiences to be partying into the streets, fired up to make change, and gobsmacked by the high-octane system-smashing experience they’ve just had.

'In Your Dreams' plays Brisbane Powerhouse 23-25 November as part of MELT Festival.