That Takes Ovaries

Unity Theatre, Hope Place
10 March - 12 March 2011

Reviewed by Rob Saven

Oh my God! I had not really done my homework on this production - I had seen the name of the play, "that looks like fun Col, I will review that one."

Ten good things about getting both breasts removed!!! My pen hovered over my pad, my mind raced, my heart beat faster, my mouth went dry, my eyes filled up. The girl had had to have both her breasts cut off, and her friends were telling her good things that will come out of it.

I won't spoil the review by listing them here but number ten was NO MORE BRAS. It must be the most devastating thing that can happen to a woman (medically), and her friends were just trying to lighten her load.

The lights went down and the music was so fitting (A Little Help From My Friends) and I knew we were in for a killer of a play.

We were not let down at all. With every scene you were either shocked, appalled, saddened, angered or outraged.

Special moments were the eight-year-old girl leading the first Gay Pride march with mum and the mum leaving her children in El Salvador in order to find work in the USA to enable her to feed her kids. If she stays they will starve, if she moves they will eat but she will never see them again - what a choice to have to make!

The second act of the play started with three topless nymphs, bare breasted cupids, the lesbain avengers. Despite the silliness it had a serious message - LOVE IS A HUMAN RIGHT.

Builders cat-calling dealt with Thelma And Louis-like characters but good as gold men treat women with respect was the message there, and the scene ended with the soundtrack R.E.S.P.E.C.T. - nice touch.

The Buddhist woman going to kill herself and her children, under a speeding train, was hard to watch - it was so intense - and brought tears to my eyes.

Maria the social worker had my heart in her hands. She dealt with women dying from HIV and AIDS, helping them in their dying days. It was heart-wrenching to watch - you forgot they were only acting - it was a privilege to be there.

One of the main mottos of the the production is that evel men succeed when good men do nothing.

An Irish lady had chocolates ovaries to give away at the end of the play to anyone in the crowd who had a story to tell. Firstly Sheryl Martin spoke about being in an abusive relationship. She is now one of the leading child protection nurses.

WOMEN = RIGHTS & JUSTICE, and this play will make you sit up and take notice. REAL MEN DON'T RAPE beer mats GET REAL.

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Sorry Comments Closed

Comment left by rob saven on 15th March, 2011 at 7:56
Colin you have done it again turned my ramblings into a readable artical,, thanks colin and it was a privaledge to be part of the play, the girls done the movement PROUD.

Comment left by sal paradise on 15th March, 2011 at 21:10
Hi Rob, thanks for coming to see the play and for writing such a great review! I'd like to make the point though that some of the stories in the play weren't just about the awful things that men do to women. We wanted to also show how women can be strong and empower themselves - e.g. the story about women exploring their sexuality or improving their own body-image. Glad you enjoyed the play Rob and thanks for your support.

Comment left by Chloe on 24th March, 2011 at 18:05
As the 8 year old girl and one of the lesbian avengers I would like to say thanks so much for this lovely review!