The show, called CabaBabaRave, promotes itself as a "little slice of afternoon delight" that combines cabaret with "captivating baby sensory moments" before concluding with a rave. In the video, one of the performers, identified as Benloader Circus, is seen sporting bondage gear while executing acrobatic stunts from straps suspended from the ceiling as parents and their babies watch, the UK's Daily Mail reported.
As part of the VAULT Festival, the video also shows dancers in bondage gear and thongs performing acrobatic sequences. The video goes on to show an actor performing a handstand on a chair while wearing nothing but stilettos and a thong at The Flair Ground, near Waterloo in south-east London. The show has been described as "absolutely abhorrent" and "sickening."
Despite widespread criticism, the organizers of the CabaBabaRave show defended the event, stating that it was thoughtfully designed and that the babies in attendance would not comprehend the performance. They claimed that the show provided a "fun and inclusive environment for parents with young babies."
Nevertheless, there is an effort underway now to get the show banned, the outlet reported:
Broadcaster Dominique Samuels, who shared the original footage on Twitter, urged people to contact the company with any concerns over safeguarding. CabaBabaRave has a sold out show on March 11, while further events are due to take place through to the end of May. The price for general admission is £25.50.
Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington even waded in on the debate, tweeting: "I lost quite a few followers for saying that a semi-naked man in thigh high boots dancing in a highly sexualised way shouldn’t be performing in front of babies and it tells me everything I need to know about where society is heading. How do you not agree with me on this????"
Another critic noted: "Absolutely sickening. What kind of parent would take their child to that?"
A third said: "Why would anyone think it appropriate to take their kids to one of these events?"
One commentator said: "More concerned that the parents think that sort of thing is appropriate and took their babies there in the first place."
Said another: "What parent (if we can call them that) in their right mind would subject ANY child to this. What damage is being done to these young minds; parents are there to protect children from this type of behaviour. Why is this being allowed to continue??"
An advertisement for the show at a local pub describes how the cabaret was created by two mothers who "were constantly looking to be entertained whilst holding a baby in one hand and a pint in the other."
"We wanted to create the type of event we ourselves as Mums would want to go to. There’s only so many times you can listen to the f****** Wheels on the Bus! We wanted to give parents the experience of a 'big London night out'..cabaret, drinks and dancing.. but one you can bring your baby to and still be home for bedtime," said the show's creators.
VAULT Festival released a statement on Twitter addressing comments made on social media regarding CABABABARAVE, which is part of the 2023 VAULT Festival program.
"The cabaret show is designed for parents, with sensory moments for babies, and is a fun and welcoming space for parents with young babies," the festival organizers said. "VAULT Festival exists to support live performance and artistic talent and is proud to platform events that are welcoming and accessible for all, with audience safety always as a top priority.
"We stand against the inexcusable threats of violence and assault against our programmed artists, our staff, and directed at the LGBTQIA+ community, and are supporting the affected artists," they added.
What they obviously don't stand for is decency and the appropriateness of content for small children. Then again, there are the parents who bring their kids to such events.
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