Polytoxic is Australia’s unapologetic intersectional feminist theatre collective, known for detonating convention, igniting laughter, and creating performances that are provocative, physically daring, and politically charged. Born from the collision of circus spectacle, cabaret chaos, riotous humour, and sharp social commentary, Polytoxic makes work that doesn’t just entertain, it demands audiences think, feel, and engage.
The company is led by co-directors Lisa Fa’alafi (Hot Brown Honey) and Leah Shelton (Batshit). Together, their leadership drives Polytoxic’s signature blend of high-octane spectacle, political edge, and collaborative performance-making.
Polytoxic’s body of work is celebrated for its audacious energy, razor-sharp satire, and immersive physicality. DANGEROUS GOODS, their QPAC-commissioned cabaret, was described by critics as “phenomenal” and “a theatrical war cry,” blasting apart gender norms and cultural stereotypes with aerials, burlesque, and incendiary humour. DEMOLITION, a large-scale circus-theatre spectacle, was hailed as “a sensational expression of the power of sisterhood,” while site-specific and outdoor works like SNAPSHOT and TRADE WINDS demonstrate a fearless approach to scale, turning architecture and projection into immersive storytelling. Interactive experiences such as THE BACKUP SERVICE made audiences participants in the spectacle. Their first work, TEUILA POSTCARDS, was a trailblazer for Australian-Pacific work in the early 2000s.
Directed, Created & Conceived by Lisa Fa’alafi & Leah Shelton
Touring Co-Producer & Agent: Linda Catalano
Sound Design: Leah Shelton & Lisa Fa’alafi
Sound editing: Kim Bowers, Scott French, Kenneth Lyons, Lisa Fa’alafi, Leah Shelton.
Set Design: Lisa Fa’alafi & Leah Shelton in collaboration with Freddy Komp
Lighting Design: Steven May
Production Manager: Cat Neufeld
Associate Producer / Stage Manager: Kian Dillon
Rigging Consultant: Helen Clifford
Costume Design: Lisa Fa’alafi & Leah Shelton
Costume Realisation: Sharon Clarke, Chloe Greaves, Jim Ioannides, Lisa Fa’alafi, Leah Shelton & Jane Shelton
Choreography: Lisa Fa’alafi & Leah Shelton in collaboration with Nerida Matthaei, Alinta McGrady and the cast
Original Songs: Lisa Fa’alafi (Rewind the Current, Zero Fucks)
Samoan Song: Kalala Sione
PERFORMERS:
Lisa Fa’alafi, Leah Shelton, Kalala Sione, Mayu Muto, Bridie Hooper, Jazida.
