Exit Strategies

There are times in life when we feel the need to leave. A high-pressure job, a failing relationship, an uncomfortable exchange. Our inner voice telling us to go and disappear, shifting from an intermittent murmur to a full-blown caterwaul. Here enters Exit Strategies, a one-woman show by Mish Grigor who has turned the act of leaving into an art form.

For someone going into the show blindly, it might take you a couple of minutes to realise the show is built on a game of repetition. Mish literally leaves again and again. (And again, and again, and again.) As the performance progresses, Mish weaves satirical and darkly political sentiments to keep us enthused. In particular, her Brexit skit was clever and perfectly executed. As was the story of the recently single woman who rocked up to a party attended by her ex and who then proceeded to do a sneaky line, vomit on her dress, wear a stranger’s jumper, had to be fished out of a fountain by police, and who ultimately woke up holding a bag of frozen peas at Woolworths at 3 p.m.

‘It’s about knowing when your time is up. Or sensing when you’ve overstayed your welcome. Or wondering if you can ever go home again (or if you ever really had one),’ says Mish. There’s no doubt that her storytelling prowess draws the audience in, but at times, it would’ve been great if there was more meat on the bones. There were moments where you wish Mish drove her point harder or delved deeper.

Exit Strategies is hyper-aware, thought provoking and above all, entertaining. The soundtrack was moody and energetic, the green-screen skit was wild and the minimal props (except for the metres of green fabric) all worked to keep your eyes on Mish and listen to her vibrant storytelling skills.

Mish’s parting message? Leave, with your head held high, feeling a little more empowered.

Exit Strategies
Arts House, 521 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne, 3051
artshouse.com.au/events/exit-strategies

Image: Bryony Jackson