Kate’s Score: 2.5 strands
A hairworm is a parasitic, threadlike worm which is capable of exercising mind-control in its insect host. It is also the title of Emma Wright’s first staged work; where the metaphor is used to describe the threadlike voice which controls the mind of those suffering from eating disorders. Although an all-female production, it is clear that the message is meant to embrace all human experience where mental illness isolates.
The play, as Wright states, provides insight into the mindset of someone diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and as stated by the director Jess Davis’, whilst it may tell the story of one individual, it is meant to convey the isolation, confusion and havoc that the condition imposes on sufferers and their families. It is a passionate, emotional and yet often intellectual script; moments of distress juxtaposed against objective analysis. Rebekah Parsons is the lead sufferer, with a dedicated, committed ensemble taking on the many, varied other roles in the character’s journey. There are moments of genuine sensibility and carefully placed confrontations on a minimalist set, where the lighting (Priyanka Martin) and sound (Cecelia Strachan) offer texture and context.
Theatre, as an Art form has a responsibility to tell the stories of we humans. The challenge is to engage us so that we care. The choices made in how we deconstruct and reconstruct life experiences on the stage directly affect our engagement with these important stories and issues. It is the job of theatre to grab our attention, make us sit-up and take notice.
Kate Stratford, Theatre Now
FreshworksFemme: Hairworm
Emma Wright
30 Sep – 5 Oct 2019
Tuesday – Saturday 8pm
Venue: The Old 505 Theatre
Theatre Company: FreshworksFemme
Duration: N/A
This is not a user’s manual.
Hairworm tells the story of an individual living with an eating disorder, who sees curves where there are edges, from the onset of the illness right through to their recovery and negotiation of the world afterwards.
More than that, it is an exploration of body dysmorphia, of those universal feelings of inadequacy and of not fitting in to society’s predetermined mould. This is her life. Her routine. Her reality.
Ticket Prices
$30 Adults / $25 Concession, Industry & Under 30
