A Period Piece at Old 505 Theatre

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Tue 14 Mar 2017 - Sat 25 Mar 2017

Down Eliza Street laneway in the heart of Newtown, lies The Old 505 Theatre . A dedicated performance space supporting artists, theatre makers and original work while allowing the community to experience live theatre at its varied, intimate and close up best.

Tonight I am here to see A Period Piece, written by Gretel Vella and directed by Carissa Licciardello. A fast paced cabaret whose tongue in cheek comedy and short skits tackle the awkward uncomfortable stereotypes surrounding the period. It explores with razor-edged wit the misrepresentation and much maligned monthly experience of women around the world.



Each skit is introduced by music from a 3 piece band comprised of Mikaela Atallah, Hannah Cheers and Clare Hennessy who provide an eclectic mix of baroque, folk, pop, flamenco and classical music to set each scene.



The narrative opens with a sketch full of cringeworthy metaphors for the humble period. It moves on to tackle the myths and the ridiculous misconceived advice levelled at women throughout history. From the nauseating 'Aunty Flo' and 'hysteria' which robs women of their sense each month to exploring the shaming over a leaked spot of blood on a pair of pants, the cast blend seamlessly with each other and complement each other's performances.

Mathew Lee delivers a wonderful smarmy day time talk show host, oozing condescension while delivering outlandish statements to 'help' guide women through their 'delicate time'.

Julia Robertson, James Wright and Julia Christensen effortlessly provide and hour of comedy with laugh out loud moments from all.

The sets have been designed by Nick Fry and the elaborate doors and design easily transport the audience between skits and are used to transition and help deliver each parody.



Indelicate at times, amusing definitely, you can't help but smile and enjoy this satirical exploration of our most essential biological function.

It definitely pokes fun at a world that baulks to embrace the period yet bombards us with oversexualisation and violence. It prods at the uproar if we portray it truthfully or celebrate it on any level artistically. It really is a shame we do not venerate our wombs, our periods and our fertility. Bring back goddess worship indeed.

Go see it, it is a unique and wonderful production, you can't help but have fun. I really enjoyed the performances and laughed for nearly an hour. I congratulate the writers on tackling a difficult subject with such candour. I will never be afraid to say period again!

#comedy
#newtown
#theatre
#theatre -reviews
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#march
!date 14/03/2017 -- 25/03/2017
%wnsydney