Who and what is Aletia Upstairs?
Aletia Upstairs is a clever professional moniker which tantalizingly makes us hunger to find out more. Aletia is a sometimes cabaret soubrette, artist, singer-songwriter, teacher, creative inspirer and motivator, and much more. Heralding from South Africa, where she is a celebrated performer, Aletia has forged a successful career in the UK, both in London, and on the cabaret/festival circuits. From an exploration of Mata Hari, and a Weimer Kabarettistin lover of Otto Dix, to a collaboration with artist Richard Demarco (For Practice as Research PhD), Aletia is a singular performance artist, who brings inspired informed originality to all she creates. ‘Disordered’ is no exception.
There does seem to be a growing much needed trend for performers to bear their personal woes and ills in the hope they might help others in the process. Since covid, mental health has been top of the list, and I have seen a variety of shows used as part audience/part performer therapy. Some, with good intent, but worryingly gratuitous content, others with genuine educative concern, but little entertainment value. In short, many do not have the complete formula to entertain as well as to enlighten. Thankfully, ‘Disordered’ succeeds on every level.
In the spacious but intimate cabaret setting of London’s Phoenix Arts Club, the glittering figure of our solo protagonist appears, applauded by the many fans who fill the tables in the room. Aletia proceeds to dazzle us with renditions of ‘Crazy’, ‘Mad World’, ‘Losing my Mind’, ‘The Sound of Silence’, and others, with moving and projected imagery accentuating the emotional mood, and adding to the bespoke interpretations of the songs. Between this multimedia experience, with raconteur expertise, Aletia tells of her borderline disordered complexities with such ease and humour, we can’t fail to relate, empathise, and sometimes participate. We even sing along, with gusto, to familiar words on the screen in support of the sheer genuineness on display. This is a vibrant example of how art and entertainment can be therapeutic for both performer and spectators. And it’s fun too!
Q: Who and what is Aletia Upstairs? A: A multi-talented artist/entertainer who, in this new show, captivates the audience with an honest portrayal of her own struggles in life, whilst freeing us all of ours. Touring Producers and Studio Theatres alike should book this show now. ‘Disordered’ is timely, relevant, and deserves to be seen. Here’s a quote for you all to use: “I walked down the stairs to see Aletia Upstairs and it helped me shake off the blues.” Highly recommended.
Below, a collage of shots from the performance:
Visit Aletia’s site for more information: https://aletia.co
Reviewer: Kevin Short
Photos: Kathryn S Kraus
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