Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (reviewed Wednesday 25 September).
What Every Girl Should Know borrows the title from Margaret Sanger‘s progressive and highly controversial collection of articles published in 1916, written to educate women about their bodies at a time when such frank conversations were not possible.
This play produced by Cats in a Cupboard is set in a Catholic reformatory in a shared boarding room with four teenage girls: Theresa, Lucy, Anne, and new arrival Joan, whose presence is met with suspicion amongst the other three girls.
This new Joan must prove her worth to the group. And she does, delivering salacious material in the form of Margaret Sanger’s literature. The girls quickly anoint Sanger as their patron saint, covering the framed picture of Jesus with her photo.
Thematically, the play explores the troubled mind of these young women and how they are processing sexual abuse and trauma. The insidious and paradoxical nature of institutionalised abuse (‘they did because they love me’), is explored with depth, rawness, and exposure.
The acting requires an enormous degree of trust in the play’s vision and direction, and this is evident throughout the 90 minute duration. The cast (Mikaela Corrigan, Mia McMenamin, Alice Mahoney and Katelin Divall) are deeply possessed in their roles. As Co-Producer and playing the role of Theresa, Mikaela Corrigan gives us a character that leans into the mother / caretaker role, her attitude of maturity and responsibility belying the scars within, giving her also an air of vulnerability and quiet hunger for revenge.
As Joan, Alice Mahoney leans into her real-life country roots to bring a character who is vibing differently to the other girls, and they tacitly pick up on this. But Joan is no push-over, she’s strong, and can stand up to the bullying. The link to her namesake (Joan of Arc) is very fitting.
Katelin Divall as Lucy (Lulu) has the most energetic part to play; easily scandalised and enraged as a kid sister to the other three girls; pushed into not always doing what she wants to do, but not wanting to be left out either, and her prayers are heartfelt and endearing (Dear God, I don’t like her, but please let me try to be nice to her). There is a ferocious innocence to her character.
Mia McMenamin as Anne is the classic bully who is pretty but full of insecurities and mischief, and wants to be seen as more worldly and informed than her age implies. Hence, her resentment of Joan and the competitive power tactics she plays.
The dual complexities of these roles creates interesting, dynamic characters, and director Nicholas Pavan allows feminine expression to come forth without sacrificing authenticity. The beats and subtext is clear, the movement is fluid, and the planes flying overhead at Flight Path Theatre did not blur out one line (hurrah!!)
The lighting/sound design by Joseph Wasson also creates the right touch of ambience and focus in a one-room setting, and the staging never feels static or bland. Even when the characters are standing still, or lying in their beds, the machinations of their curious, troubled minds keeps the pace and action going.
What Every Girl Should Know is playing at Flight Path Theatre as part of Sydney Fringe Festival til 28 September. For ticket and showtimes, go to https://sydneyfringe.com/events/what-every-girl-should-know/
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CREDITS:
- Presented by – Cats in the Cupboard Productions
- Director/Producer – Nicholas Pavan
- Producer/Cast/Costume Design – Mikaela Corrigan
- Assistant Director – Sophie Persson
- Lighting/Sound Design – Joseph Wasson
- Cast – Mia Mcmenamin
- Cast – Alice Mahoney
- Cast – Katelin Divall