Frisky are transporting audiences to a fantasy land created by two pre-pubescent girls, Tilly and Inga (played by Camille Dawson and Serena Ramsey). This is Girl World, a kingdom (or should I say queendom) ruled by the all-powerful goddess Fatnaboona. There is only one rule – NO BOYS ALLOWED. However, when a mysterious hole suddenly appears in the wall, it seems that playtime is over and teenhood beckons. Tilly is ready to explore but Inga holds back, leading to bitter tensions between them.
Girl World is an exciting and multi-faceted production
In this complex performance, childhood games provide a deeply elaborate metaphor for coming of age and teetering on the brink of sexual discovery. We see the girls playing at childbirth and breastfeeding, amongst other life stages. They experiment with profanities and graphic insults, egging each other on until they're in tears. Their imagination will almost certainly make you feel uncomfortable, but the genius of this writing cannot be overlooked. Occasionally the metaphor is dragged out a little. The build up towards the discovery of the hole could be trimmed, and the piece loses some of its pace towards the end. However, this does little to diminish the power of the production.
Not only is Girl World cleverly written, it's also cleverly staged. A loud set of sensational colour hooks the attention; and original songs add even more variety to the performance. Live musicians from the rock band BOSS are an integral part of the production and I really enjoyed their reactions to the weird scenes unfolding before them. Vibrant sound and lighting effects do not feel added on to the action, but embedded within it.
Girl World is an exciting and multi-faceted performance that asks difficult questions about growing up. The confusing stages of early adolescence are vividly portrayed in this varied and interesting show. You will both laugh and blush.
