Darlings, forget everything you thought you knew about opera – or pop music, for that matter. Uma Dobia’s ‘Popera: Sex, Death & Politics’ at The Motley Bauhaus is the genre-bending fever dream Melbourne’s cultural scene didn’t know it needed.

Quick Glance

• When: Saturdays & Sundays, 4pm until April 20, 2025
• Where: The Motley Bauhaus – Theatrette
• Damage: $24.31 – $28.36
• Duration: 60 minutes of pure theatrical chaos (in the best way possible)

The Voice That Launches a Thousand Quips

Let’s talk about Uma Dobia’s voice – because holy moly, what a instrument. One minute she’s channeling Maria Callas with glass-shattering operatic prowess, the next she’s serving pop princess realness that would make Britney proud. But here’s the kicker – she does it all while maintaining the kind of razor-sharp wit that would make Oscar Wilde blush.

Not Your Nonna’s Opera Night

Forget stuffy theatre etiquette – Popera demands you keep your phone out (gasp!) and ready for action. #poperaisintown isn’t just a hashtag; it’s your ticket to participation in this gleefully chaotic game show-meets-cabaret extravaganza. From pop culture trivia that’ll test your Taylor Swift knowledge to unexpected audience call-ups, this show turns traditional theatre rules on their head.

The Feminist Take We Didn’t Know We Needed

Between the laughs and high notes, Dobia and director Bronny Lane serve up a deliciously spicy commentary on the music industry’s treatment of women. From Dido’s tragic end to Britney’s conservatorship, this show connects dots you never knew existed – all while keeping you thoroughly entertained.

What Makes It Special

• Interactive Gold: The audience participation hits different – it’s clever, never cringe
• Musical Mastery: Original songs like “Opera Did The Girls Dirty” land with both humor and heart
• Production Value: Slick video elements and staging that knows exactly what it’s doing
• The Uma Factor: A masterclass in combining operatic excellence with comedic timing

The Verdict

“I cannot stop raving about it! Omg it was hilarious, so engaging, and brilliantly interactive—yes, there’s audience participation and yes, I got quizzed on pop culture trivia (turns out I knew more than I thought, thank you very much!).”

Kim Ong, Restaurant Marketing Expert

In a festival full of sure bets, Popera emerges as that rare gem that manages to be both wildly entertaining and genuinely thought-provoking. Uma Dobia doesn’t just break the fourth wall – she demolishes it with a wrecking ball of talent, wit, and unapologetic feminist fury.

Need to Know

• 18+ (there’s some spicy language, darlings)
• Book through Melbourne Comedy Festival website
• Arrive early – this is selling out faster than hot cakes at a Sunday market

Disclaimer: This was an invited experience by Little Train Creative, attended by Roslyn Foo, Kim Ong, Mei Cheah, Raymond Reyes and Shravani. As per Glamorazzi’s editorial policy, our reviews remain honest and unbiased regardless of invitation status.