Does the word ‘penis’ make you feel uncomfortable? How about images of bouncing titties, pubic hair or boners? I’m pretty comfortable on the subject matter, but I’m not sure about the average Joe. If you are squeamish on the subject, ‘Gonzo’ will have both educational and entertainment value.
The performance did a beautiful job transforming the awkward subject matter of pornography and sex into something easy to digest. The show opened with five empty seats on a dark stage. Pornography played in the background on screen. Four millennial males enter the stage, not all at once. Casual banter starts between two. They talk about typical mundane topics their jobs, being vegan, hipsters. Others join. The conversation morphs into sex, like it would in reality.
Essentially, you are a fly on the wall, invited into a personal, but not too intimate discussion between youths. Porn, masturbation, and sex tapes all arise organically. Beyond the superficial chats, you also get individually-told stories of one’s sexuality, what porn they watch, and first sexual encounters. It was wondrous. I also loved the diversity of the actors. They were young and extremely comfortable on stage, especially considering the theme at hand. ‘Gonzo’ is provocative, stimulating, and enlightening.
Get there on time, or you won’t get in. I like the idea of a lock-down venue. No stragglers to distract. When you are in for a show about porn, you go all in.
– Leah
Leah Sparks is a friendly Canadian girl living in Melbourne. Other than her love for maple syrup, she digs the outdoors, live gigs, beer, the 70s and cruising around town with her Siberian Husky.
‘Gonzo’ runs 21 September to 1 October, 7pm (65mins) at the Malthouse Theatre in Southbank. Purchase tickets now.
The venue is accessible.
