Friendly Feminism for the Mild Mannered
Review by Sarah List
I must say I wasn’t sure what to expect when I made my request for friendly feminism for the mild mannered. The poster artwork semi suggested a bygone era of niceties – how ‘respectable ladies’ that didn’t want to make waves broached the topic of feminism. I guess I may have developed a reputation for being opinionated female (is that strange for a reviewer?), so perhaps something to learn for the next delicate dinner party with the in-laws? Not likely.
Friendly feminism addresses in song a range of subjects that have really pushed to the forefront of the media in recent times, after women (and men!)have struggled with them since timekeeping began as a concept. Consent, #metoo, mansplaining, a list of things that grown men shouldn’t be afraid of (little boys in tutus! Shocking!). Some with humour and others with naked emotion, Friendly Feminism moves from light to dark and back again with brilliant lyrics from this all female cast. Friendly Feminism could be a perfect way to end a bad tinder date, or to finally get that creepy dude from work to never ask you out ever again (either because he learned something from the show itself, or because he’s too afraid he might be surprised with attending a feminist rally for a second date).
Be warned – there is a discussion of a #metoo moment (given with warning during the show) that is confronting, but the mixed gender and age audience of this sell out performance connected deeply with the content and enjoyed every moment.
And you probably won’t be able to have a cup of tea ever again without thinking of this production.
No Comments