While completing a BA in communications at UTS, majoring in writing and performance studies, Ali became a belly dancer, performing throughout the Lebanese nightclubs of Sydney's suburbs. Since 1995 she has worked as a full time performer running two entertainment businesses, Zena and Sons Entertainment, and Kush Cabaret. She writes shows, designs entertainment packages, creates costumes and directs performance troupes. With Alex Norman they have developed their special genre of theatrical music and circus, touring to the UK, Asia and around Australia since 2000.
Alex gained her BA Honours in Music at Bath University, UK. In 1992 she rejected a classical career, put her clarinet in a back pack and took off around the world. On the road she learned her varied circus skills, and has since had an impressive decade of global performance at events and festivals throughout Europe, South East Asia and Japan. She was co-founder and manager of Sydney's Firefly Entertainment (2000-2003), and continues to lead the field in innovative fire dance performance with DanceCircus.
Born in Bulgaria, Veren studied at Conservatoriums of music in Vienna, Sofia and Sydney, and studied theatre in Hanover, Germany. He has worked in the capacity of musician, composer, performer and actor with the likes of Baz Luhrman, Barri Kosky, Rodney Fisher, Sydney Theatre Company and INXS.
Veren was long time member of the string quartet, Fourplay. He has been performing with Kush Cabaret since 2001, and is a current member of gypsy jazz bands, Arabesk and the Gypsy Kids, and plays with Gypsy Dub Sound System.
Philippe was born in Switzerland. In 1996 he co-founded the group Mukka, which became well known for its high-powered eastern European gypsy music, and included Romanian diva Dana Berciu. During this time Philippe also performed regularly in London venues, with a Polish violinist in an ensemble called Gypsy Voices, and with the theatre group, 'The Cosmic Sausages'. His touring schedule has taken him all over Europe and the United Emirates. Festival appearances have included Glastonbury, Montreal Jazz Festival, Woodford, and Bellingen.
Since arriving in Sydney in 2002 Philippe has worked in many line-ups including Kush Cabaret, Monsieur Camembert, Plum Loco and Arabesk. His solo accordion character, 'Mr Philharmonix' can be found roving through many a theatre and restaurant.
