Girls & Boys – Directed by Eleanor Bishop: ASB Waterfront Theatre September 13-22

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GIRLS & BOYS is a one-woman show by Dennis Kelly under the direction of Eleanor Bishop. It brings a new level of intensity and grace to the stage, Beatriz Romilly giving us a captivating exploration of human emotion and experience. Originally performed in London and New York, and now here by Auckland Theatre Company, the play has garnered significant acclaim, and we can see why.

Girls & BoysAs the curtain rises, the audience is immediately introduced to a strikingly minimalist set: a nearly empty, small rotating stage and a central frame. This design choice is not merely aesthetic but deeply symbolic, mirroring the multifaceted nature of the protagonist’s life experiences. The rotation of the stage is a clever and evocative element, symbolising the continual movement and change inherent in the character’s journey. It visually represents the shifting timelines and emotional states, allowing the audience to engage with the narrative on a deeper level. Each turn of the stage subtly shifts the perspective, enhancing the storytelling by reflecting the protagonist’s evolving memories and the complexities of her inner world.

This innovative use of the stage design adds a profound layer of meaning to the performance, highlighting the dynamic and often tumultuous nature of human experience.

Girls & BoysRomilly takes us through the protagonist’s youthful adventures and trials in relationships, career, and marriage with a blend of humour and poignancy. Her portrayal of the struggles of parenthood, while deeply personal, remains universally relatable, exposing the often-overwhelming nature of balancing family life and personal growth. The character’s descent into darker themes of grief and tragedy introduces a raw, unsettling element to the performance, which, while powerful, may be triggering for some audience members.

Despite a small stumble in the lines, Romilly’s ability to deliver a gripping ninety-minute monologue is commendable. The simplicity of the set and wardrobe allows for a dynamic shift in tone, transitioning from lively and playful to hauntingly ethereal. The lighting design enhances these transitions, adding another layer of depth to the performance, it was superbly thought out.

Girls & BoysThe audience’s reaction before and after the show was striking. The pre-show excitement in the packed lobby contrasted sharply with the profound silence afterward, a testament to the emotional impact of the performance. This quietude reflected a collective moment of reflection and introspection while we gathered in the lobby.

Romilly’s performance, combined with Bishop’s direction, creates a powerful and intimate experience. The standing ovation at the end underscored the success of their collaboration. Girls & Boys is a powerful piece of theatre, and both Beatriz Romilly and Eleanor Bishop deserve high praise for their exceptional work. Bravo to both for delivering such a memorable and thought-provoking performance.

MISS PEACH

Girls and Boys is on at the ASB Waterfront Theatre 13-22 September

Tickets and more info here.

Interview here with Alice Canton.

 

 

Miss Peach
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