Fafi D’Alour electrifies the Adelaide Fringe when the sun goes down, transforming stages and venues into vibrant, unforgettable experiences.
By day, Fafi is Fiona Smith—a committed city worker driving Adelaide’s economy forward and helping the city prosper.
Ms Smith, 29, works at Udaberri on Leigh Street and also facilitates workshops and events across the city.
She says the juggle is tough, but being able to contribute as both a city worker and a performer is deeply fulfilling.
“I balance multiple hospitality jobs and private gigs, often working 70-plus-hour weeks to bring creative visions to life,” Ms Smith says.
“But I’m driven. I embrace the hustle if it means creating art and generating employment for others. Year-on-year growth and increasing audience demand have affirmed that resilience pays off. If that makes me an Aussie battler, I’ll take it. I’m here to stay."
Many Shows, One Dream: Creating City Opportunities
Ms Smith is a creative powerhouse who has performed in Australia and abroad, with her first paid gig at the age of 15 years old for a local Adelaide community organisation and community events. She went on to become an Adelaide Casino showgirl at 18.
A year later, she founded Delinquent Creatives where she has produced, scripted, directed, choreographed and performed in multiple shows.
She cites Fafi D’Alour & The Delinquents as her most notable work, landing her the opportunity to represent Australia and Adelaide at the age of 21 for the New York Encore Fringe Series.
She is committed to bridging international expertise with Adelaide’s homegrown talent. Her vision includes producing bold work and creative platforms that support emerging talent - particularly women.
This year’s Fringe program includes Club D’Alour, Fafi D’Alour Noir and Femme Heels, all receiving positive reviews
“Creating and performing make me feel whole,” Ms Smith says.
“The growth throughout the creative process, the electricity of the stage, and the shared exchange with an audience create something powerful.
“When I perform, I feel most myself and most alive. Sharing that energy with diverse audiences is something I never want to lose.”
A Good Delinquent Cause: A New Venue Bringing New Economic Growth
Ms Smith has opened an Adelaide Fringe venue—The House of Delinquents—at 125 Pirie Street to support economic growth and provide more opportunities for performers.
She is no stranger to creating venues, having played a significant role in the designing Nineteen Ten on Hindley Street.
The House of Delinquents is a pop-up playground where cabaret, drag, dance, comedy and live music collide. Ms Smith has programmed around nine shows at the venue as part of the festival, while Bar Bar provides patrons with post-show drinks and entertainment.
“I saw this space, saw a vision and went for it,” Ms Smith says.
“I always want my artists to succeed, so if I have the skills and resources to create a platform (like the House of Delinquents), I will.”
Her commitment to the arts and job creation for performers extends beyond the Adelaide Fringe season. Ms Smith hopes to take the pop-up House of Delinquents to other CBD locations or “take over” other venues, keeping the space alive year-round.
Learn more about the House of Delinquents and shows on offer.