Walking into the theatre space, we heard Helen Reddy’s song booming out, ’oh, yes, I am wise but it’s wisdom more than pain, yes I paid the price but look how much I’ve gained…’ On came Karlie Evans initially playing modern Aila Driscoll, a business woman and more macho than the men because it is still a man’s world. Now don’t think this play is only for women, the men in the audience responded instantly recognising the men she was referring to as they have to deal with them as well. However; her character and the following historic female characters presented the physiological and psychological pain of a woman standing up for her rights, ethics, belief and pure love; swimming against the tide and often paying a price.
Oliver Brighton, Tech Director, provided the sound and lighting subtly changing the mood of each character via projection on a scrim. The set, a fading hotel room in the middle of a redevelopment project resisting progress, had torn wallpaper and a basic single bed and chair that provided a refuge for each character. It would cleverly change to reflect different characters and the decor of its era and without giving anything away, clever on-set costume changes reflected the fashion of the time.
Karlie and Kerrie Simon-Lawrence (also the director), have written an eloquent, humorous and fascinating monologue of four Australian women across the ages, each struggling with decisions and the social constrictions of their time and society. Mary Ann Monroe-Bentley, Molly Fink and Angie Sage are honoured for their stand and place in women’s history and fight for their identity. Karlie alters her voice and posture to tell their stories and the audience believed in each change of persona.
With all of that, it is Karlie who holds your attention as she switches from being the modern Aila to jump into each of the other women’s characters. The language changed in complexity and emotion and it was a ‘tour de force’ for one actor. She ebbed and flowed as a modern woman frustrated with the business world whilst juggling her attention to her love for her partner as she is challenged with making decisions about work and family.
The characters outline women’s need to make decisions about their bodies, their social status, how to walk through a dark park at night alone and even as a sex worker; why a condom is non-negotiable. The messages are still relevant and the monologue is arresting, emotional and even sometimes wryly humorous. The audience responded and were having discussions as we all exited the theatre. We were left wondering how Aila would manage what her next step might be and her stance as Helen Reddy sang,”I am Woman”.
To book tickets to Crazing, please visit https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/crazing-by-escape-artists.