WOMANHOOD

Latest Mary Steward production forms a perfect trilogy at Musho. (Review by Maurice Kort)

For those fortunate to have seen Bridesmaid and My CV: One Woman@Work will, like me, probably have looked forward to seeing this latest one woman show, written and performed by Mary Steward, again directed by Emma Durden. It does not disappoint, and forms a perfect trilogy.

Mary Steward presents a hilarious journey through the trials and tribulations of woman's journey from girlhood to womanhood in all its aspects, often addressing questions - and answers - to members of the audience, almost in a lecture format. She depicts many characters from seven and nine year old nieces to her older mother and elderly aunts, switching expertly from one to the other. A highlight is her depiction of the pressure of that first kiss and the heartbreak of being deserted by the boyfriend thereafter. Spot on is her enactment of how she has to cope, as a busy working mother, with preparing the school lunches for the children, bathing them, answering the telephone and preparing her work assignment.

All this is done with the minimum use of suitable props, and very appropriate sound effects and lighting. Every woman could and would identify with the joys, sadness, pathos, irony and problems and it will indeed be enjoyed by the men in the audience as well.

As with all the Musho Festival offerings, there were only two performances and sadly both were over the weekend. With any luck the show will be brought back later in the year for a longer season. – Maurice Kort