THEATRE
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Tomboy Blues – The Theory of Disappointment
Zoo Southside
Inviting you to ‘learn the brace position against the inevitable by-products of human existence’, Rachel Mars and nat tarrab’s collaborative project delivers – (tom)boy does it deliver. Examining gender queerness, the relationships we have with others and ourselves, and the inherent disappointment inherent with aforementioned ideas, ‘Tomboy Blues – The Theory of Disappointment’ is a journey that will liberate anybody who has ever considered themselves ‘other’ – and that, if we are in honest, is everyone.
The thing I found most inspiring about this piece was its innocence, its escape from the pretentiousness that often arrives unwelcome when projects claim to examine the theme of identity. Both humorous and poignant the performance remains playful, aided by the intimate space at Zoo Southside and the magnetism of both Rachel and nat. Bounding abound the stage with an obvious passion for their cause the duo’s sustained chemistry captivates the audience, their sequence of episodes inviting you to celebrate your identity, your otherness, and the word ‘cunt’.
Witty, human, moving and relevant, this offering by Mars.tarrab deserves to be on the national curriculum.
