one4review | On 10, Aug 2019

In Patricia Cornelius’ play, Billy, Bobby and Sam are three Australian women who strut around the stage, refuse to restrain their language and refuse to apologise. Their androgynous names reflect their rejection of the socially acceptable female. They disdain women who cry and have grown up in the world of care homes and foster carers who failed nurture them. Chillingly, any child abuse is accepted in a matter of fact manner, almost as if it’s a right of passage. To survive they have rejected any of the softer female traits and have adopted a combative stance to prevent anyone getting underneath their skins.
This is an all guns blazing performance with Nicci Wilks electrifying (and frankly terrifying) as Billy, as the three actresses prowl around the stage, exchanging tragic life stories. At first it is not apparent there is a reason for them to be flung together, but as the play slowly drops hints of where the action is set, we see their hard veneers crumbling as their dire situation becomes clear. Not for the faint hearted this is breath-taking theatre. Peta Brady (Sam) and Sarah Ward (Bobby) also give fantastic performances and the 3 actresses move together seamlessly in the choreographed sections. They deserve larger audiences than the day I was there, so if you are not easily offended head along to Summerhall for an hour of gender defying theatre.

Reviewed by Rona

4.50pm

Summerhall

Until 25th August (Not 12th and 19th)