Phoebe Bakker
Every now and then I watch a show and I’m struck by how familiar it feels. The concepts explored, perhaps the set up and even the themes can transport me to a different time, a different place and I find myself thinking okay I know what I’m in for, how are you going to keep me here? Is This Thing On? by So La Flair and Miss Match is a perfect example of its not just what you say but how you say – an endearing refreshing story with authentic relationships and queer exploration shifted through an artful lens.
We’re introduced to Mary and Liz in an adrenaline paced beginning expressing the dichotomy of our two characters. One a musician the other a poet and performance artist, roommates that could not be more different sharing only their love of performance and of each other. Through a series of scenes we explore their friendship, where they come together and a part, how they intersect within their sexuality and how we can express all of these joys or frustrations in art.
The crux of this story is the amount of heart that is contained with in it. The duo respond to one another with a level of authenticity that rings all of their words with an honesty that be heard for miles. Their strength is carried singularly, both managing to command the stage and be utterly watchable for hours should they so choose but sparks absolutely fly at any point we see them interacting with each other.
We can feel that connection so truthfully that I could believe they had known each other forever. It’s this level of earnest that allows the weight of their fights, their sadness and the gravity of very serious topics that come in later to land. We listen, we grieve with them and the text works beautiful that we only then make the connections between everything we have seen.
I am a sucker for good staging and the design is simple and fantastic. Two risen platforms that have a multitude of uses, hiding additional props and transforming the stage to this more pressurised performance setting. The use of sound throughout is lovely and fully immersive matching the concept and giving us entry into their world through the use of diegetic music scenes and transitions- we are given full access to the feeling and souls of these characters.
The play is littered with textural sounds that expresses inner thoughts perfectly. Through the loop peddle we are introduced to a sensorial overload, extremely visceral to the more serious issues that the play addresses, it creates a much more safe and equally effective path through our understanding of the feelings of the character. Similarly we are given intimate access of queer expression through magnificent imagery, poetry that spills over the audience revealing insecurities, wonder and explosive joy.
Towards the end we are gifted with a soundscape of different voices, expressing different experiences of girlhood, and relationships towards the female experience. It’s a really emotional experience and I only wish that we had a couple more of those sprinkled throughout. As much as the performance is defined by it’s authenticity I think this would have elevated it to the next level.
Regardless the script is extremely strong. In part because the stories throughout are based on real peoples own experiences (sorry to people praying that the maggot scene was just artistic expression) but also because the performances reign supreme. It’s reminiscent of other plays of girlhood, scenes with girls comes to mind, but has very much forged it’s own path.
Conversations with my friends afterwards always remind me that no matter how many times I see the same themes presented there’s always something new and exciting to take away and Is This Thing On? is a show you won’t be in a hurry to forget.
Recommended Drink: A classic blowjob shot!
You can catch Is This Thing On at Underbelly, Cowgate until the 25th (not the 12th) Tickets are available through the EdFringe Box Office.
Jake Mace
