Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again

They’re furious. They’re bold. They’re pissed off. Milk Bar Mag attended the opening night of Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again and was left speechless by the sheer intensity and ferocious spirit that spilled on to the stage at the Malthouse Theatre. Written by Alice Birch and directed by Janice Muller, this latest theatre production takes no prisoners when exploring what womanhood means in the 21st Century. 

The act opens in a sketch format where typical experiences for women in areas of love, marriage, ageing and work are challenged and turned upside down, then varnished with a relentless appetite, exposing the power of language as a tool in oppressing and reinforcing violence against women. In the scene opener, a couple – exceptionally performed by Sophie Ross and Gareth Reeves – are in the bedroom when things get hella suggestive. What is downright entertaining, but also eye-opening, is the inherent dominance the male uses when talking about his partner’s body, and his objection at becoming the objectified when the woman verbally dresses him down.

About two-thirds in, a seismic shift occurs. The cast joins forces and commands that we stand up for the rights of women and reform ‘popular’ conventions of womanhood. The word ‘galvanise’ is illuminated, penetrating the collective consciousness with the dark realities of the inequality that is entrenched in language and the everyday life of a woman. 

The ensemble cast were extremely talented, but let me just say that Belinda McClory is a star. From her sketch portraying a lesbian boss who tirelessly questions why her employee wants to have every Monday off, to her chilling delivery in describing the occurrence of violence against women, she was a delight to watch. Ming-Zhu Hii dismantling her boyfriend’s marriage proposal is another stand out scene. 

Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again is a dark exploration of the power of language in shaping women’s experience in the workplace, in the home, and in social environments, and reveals the journey ahead to achieve equality.

Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again
The Malthouse Theatre, 113 Sturt Street, Southbank
Till Sunday, 9 July 2017
malthousetheatre.com.au