Melbourne Fringe Festival. Infectuated. “Who’s doing more harm: the people we blame for our misery, or blame itself?”

MEET Steve, a picture of superficiality! Work! Money! Success! Dopamine! Ketamine! Fresh back on the dating scene accompanied by Daniel Tusjak (Yachtski Brothers, Promises, Promises, Superstar Carpenters) who also happens to be at the bar with his piano, Steve has some things to sing about as he asks himself “What do I need to fill my hole?

Infectuated by Stephen Loftus is a punchy, one-man exploration of the shadow-self, blame, sexy self-sabotage and bouncing back. An essay on the human condition through the medium of cabaret, obvs, Stephen shows the audience the true consequences of toxicity.

Someone wiser than us once said “Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to get sick...” but the question is, how sweet is the poison, and how long will it last? Originally a two-character show, Infectuated began as a COVID commentary, the virus representing the more sickly, twisted aspects of humankind – something that we could “other”, something that we could blame.

As the writing developed and the writer dug deep, it became clear that in fact these two aspects existed within the one entity: Steve. And if Steve was going to live with himself, he had to begin to accept all of it.

A one-man collaboration with exciting up-and-coming actor Stephen Loftus (Coming Out, Meerkat Productions, Muzicbug), director Anthony Jacobsen, dramaturg Erin McIntosh (Ned Kelly Musical, The Winter’s Tale), and pianist/composer Daniel Tusjak, Infectuated is a generous, personal sharing of something each and every one of us can relate to: When there’s no one else to blame, what are we going to do?

Stephen Loftus is the producer, writer, and sole performer in Infectuated at The MC Clubroom as a part of Melbourne Fringe Festival 2023. 

“As a first-time writer and producer, I’m eager to share my queer stories with an audience who want their thoughts to be challenged,” said Stephen. 

In this cabaret on queer culture, Steve pulls the microscope over his fear of loneliness and desire for love, eager for the audience to be on his side. But as the date bails and his ex-shows up, things get a little…complicated. Will Steve take the blame, or will he continue to pass it on? 

“I grew up in regional Victoria! Hailing from Leongatha I was heavily involved with both Wonthaggi Theatrical Group and Leongatha Lyric Theatre.” 

Stephen developed a passion for theatre at the age of 14, when given an opportunity to perform locally with Wonthaggi Theatrical Group.

“Local productions are a great space for young people who are interested in storytelling, an environment for likeminded people to learn and express who they are,” said Stephen. 

“I then moved to Melbourne at the age of 19. After a few years in Melbourne, I relocated to Ballarat where I completed my Bachelor of Music Theatre at Federation University in 2020. I’ve since moved back to Melbourne but would consider myself a regional boy at heart,” Stephen said. 

“I love being able to tell queer stories so comfortably now, even though I grew up in the country where there wasn’t a lot of queer representation on display. It’s a great coming of age and sexuality story that could touch the lives of those seeking further representation in the media.”

Stephen began writing dialogue for independent theatre last year, trusting in constructive criticism to unpack his personal story and present Infectuated as an independent – self-funded performance. 

The opening night of Infectuated was held on Oct 4 and runs until October 8.

EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Sentinel-Times readers can secure $25 tickets to Infectuated with code - SENTINEL25