Review A Body of Work at Theatre Works

If you are looking for a night of confronting, fascinating, holds-nothing-back, exciting theatre, go and see A Body of Work at Theatre Works while there are still tickets. This is its second season, its first was at La Mama last year, again, for the Midsumma Festival. Written and performed by Frankie van Kan and directed by the well-known Maude Davey, the blurb describes the show as a tale of a queer woman’s seventeen years, and counting, in the sex industry – starting in the 90s.

Those who read my reviews know I don’t like to research shows before attending, so I didn’t expect so much nudity. The blurb does describe Frankie as a “serial nudist” but it wasn’t distasteful, it served a purpose in accentuating and punctuating a very powerful, feminist narrative. The direction by Maude Davey was superb, Frankie’s dancing and movement just captivating.

A cross between a strip show and a theatre show, I would describe it as a one-woman show with the aid of a male prop (played by Dandrogyny) – a male actor that occasionally popped into the narrative cleverly, to heighten the male gaze in a hilarious yet truthful way. I really appreciate this addition, as it opened the door to conversation about not only male entitlement but also male vulnerability. This is very much in line with my poetry and feminist arts practice, that we must include the male complexity within feminist discussions to bridge the gap and move equality in the right direction.

The set of a red velvet curtain and massage table plus additional props throughout the show, in conjunction with lighting, smoke and techno music, created an ambience that drew you right in, made you feel like a fly on the wall in Frankie’s world where she was addicted to being adored yet struggled with men disrespecting her boundaries.

What I loved about this show is that it wasn’t cliched. It was peppered with complex themes such a religion, female jealousy, judgement and competitiveness, a consequence of a male dominated world that demands objectification. But Frankie tackles these themes head-on, rising above them to embrace all the wonders of her female body and queer sexuality, opening the audience’s hearts to love, hope and human connection.

– Koraly

Koraly Dimitraidis is a Cypriot-Australian poet, writer and performer and the author of Love and F—k PoemsJust Give Me The Pills, She’s Not Normal and The Mother Must Die. Her theatre show “I say the wrong things all the time” premiered at La Mama.

“A Body of Work” runs 28th January – 1st February Book tickets here.

Disclosure: The Plus Ones were invited guests of Theatre Works

Photo credit: Petra Mingneau