How’s it, indeed! Episode 411 of The Adelaide Show takes us on a remarkable journey with Ben Voss, a South African performer who’s recently landed in Adelaide, bringing with him a treasure trove of stories, a global talent visa, and a one-man show that dissects the intricate process of finding a new home.

We also keep the international feel going with an exclusive interview with Bettina Bitchkinky, who will be in Adelaide this month to host Club Eurovision. She is a major star in Belarus and she’s teaming up with Glynn Nicholas and dozens of glittering performers to create one crazy night at the Arkaba Hotel.

For the SA Drink Of The Week, we are imbibing our beverage through the medium of Barossa Valley Gourmet Fudge.

And in the Musical Pilgrimage, we’re dipping back into the archives of Fergus Maximus and Dr D with another track about South Australia from their Fringe show, Back in ADL.

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Running Sheet: From South Africa And Belarus With Love This Adelaide Fringe

00:00:00 Intro

Introduction

00:02:25 SA Drink Of The Week

The South Australian Drink Of The Week this week is actually a fudge with port by Barossa Valley Gourmet Fudge.

Steve met Julie at a workshop he was running through the week for Regional Development Australia (RDA) Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains (BGLAP). You’ll find her wares at the Barossa Farmers Market. She makes her fudge by hand in the Barossa Valley using local fresh cream, fresh Australian butter, and basically everything that is wholesome (in that special way that fudge does it).

In a delightful twist, Steve Davis and Ben Voss eschew traditional liquid libations for a tasting of Barossa Valley Gourmet Fudge. They sample two decadent varieties: Port and Roasted Almond Truffles and Dark Chocolate Port and Raisin Fudge. The duo engages in a playful, descriptive tasting that transforms the fudge into a sensory journey, complete with metaphors ranging from “grandma’s feather bed” to “an air safety bag for your palate”.

00:10:20 Ben Voss

Ben Voss opens up about his theatrical migration from South Africa to Australia, sharing the profound personal and artistic motivations behind his one-man show “Becoming Benno”. He candidly discusses the pivotal moment during the Durban riots that sparked his family’s decision to seek a new life, painting a nuanced picture of leaving one’s homeland not out of desperation, but with hope and intentionality.

The conversation explores Ben’s artistic reinvention, from being a established performer in South Africa to becoming an eager newcomer in Australia. He reflects on the humbling yet invigorating experience of rebuilding his artistic identity, emphasising his belief that quality work will ultimately speak for itself.

Particularly compelling are Ben’s observations about South Africa and Australia, comparing their social dynamics, discussing the complexities of cultural representation in comedy, and celebrating the egalitarian spirit he sees in his new home.

Becoming Benno at the Woodville Town Hall and The Warehouse Theatre in Unley.

00:47:20 Bettina Bitchkinky, Club Eurovision

In a riotous segment, Bettina Bitchkinsy, the “glittering jewel of Belarus Broadcasting,” brings her larger-than-life persona to the show. Hosting Club Eurovision at the Adelaide Fringe, she offers a hilariously unfiltered perspective on European culture, performance, and audience participation. Her advice is as bold as her personality: come prepared to wave flags, use “clackers,” potentially drink vodka, and absolutely not be shy.

Bettina describes Eurovision as a “cosmic salad” of European identity, complete with feta cheese and “nuts” (both literal and metaphorical). She promises an interactive show where audience members get to vote live, emphasizing it’s “not like the Trump election” but a truly democratic experience. Her tips for attending include bringing 23 friends (for some mysteriously precise statistical reason), being ready to make noise, and potentially spending $10 for her coveted autograph.

Get tickets for the March 19, 2025, glittering spectacular, here: Club Eurovision.

01:02:05 Musical Pilgrimage

In the Musical Pilgrimage, we feature Cross Out The King by Fergus Maximus and Doctor D. (You can hear a full show with this duo in Episode 387).

They have a Fringe show again this year, with tickets here: Back in ADL (more Sweet Home Songs).

The episode concludes with a musical tribute by Fergus Maximus and Dr. D, featuring their song “Cross Out The King” – a playful exploration of Adelaide’s street-naming quirks. The track delves into the local myth that one cannot cross King William Street, revealing the humorous backstory of how Adelaide’s founding fathers managed their street-naming ambitions.

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