Inside Shangri La with Renee Schembri

As the artistic director for Shangri La at Mardigrasland, Renee Schembri talks us through what to expect from this sensational women’s space.

Renee, you seem like the obvious fit to be producing Mardigrasland’s dedicated all-girls space, Shangi La. Is this a dream gig for you?

It certainly is and it’s a real honour to be asked to take this on; but more importantly to have a women-focused venue within the party again. I have been gunning for the last couple of years to really bring the women back to Mardi Gras, and its happening this year.

Womens spaces have featured at Mardi Gras Party in the past. What makes this year’s offering different?

The sheer scale of it is the major difference to other years. We are taking over an entire venue that caters for close to 1000 girls and giving it gorgeous theming, big productions, huge live acts, and a rocking line up of the best local and international female DJs.

You can expect to find a Mystic temple, Buddha bar, sexy surrounds, an outdoor garden, a huge indoor dance floor, a chill out area and an upstairs cabaret level. It’s about combining all these elements with sound, vision, look and feel to create an unforgettable experience.

Times are changing in our community and we are sharing more spaces than ever before. How relevant is it to provide spaces dedicated to women today?

I think it is very relevant, however it’s very important to understand this is a women-focused space but it is not restricted only to women. At the end of the day we all want to party together especially at this time of year.

The King for a Day competition is a welcome addition to Mardigrasland this year. What role do drag kings and dandies bring to women spaces at parties?

Diversity, fun, performance – they bring a lighter side of life to the space and have generated plenty of fans along the way.

Shangri La at Mardigrasland, Saturday March 3, 10pm – 3am, Playbill venues and Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park, www.mardigras.org.au/party