MINGE

On Tuesday this week we went to see MINGE with various other fabulous ladies (and one man). This is a truly excellent production, and it is only on for one more night, so if you haven't been already you have missed out big time. It is directed by the wonderful Fi McNamara and showcases an excellent all-female cast.

The play alternates between being deliberately crude and provocative, and highlighting the vulnerability of its characters. The actresses display immense insight and sensitivity in a series of poignant and touching monologues. At times it is a bit feminist-preachy, but not so much that you won't like it if you're not into that.

The part that I most enjoyed, however, was the songs! Almost every character has a signature song, which they break into at some point during the play. My one problem with MINGE is that there is no accompanying soundtrack available for purchase.

Our favourite quote from the play went something like: "The perfect lady can multi-task, is accomplished in the activities of men, and has knowledge of all womanly matters." Though the moral of the story following this quote is that women do not in fact have to do all of these things, we think that it encapsulates an excellent aspirational goal which we shall continue to pursue.

Other particular highlights:

• Heleyni Pratley declaring that her goal in life is to "destroy capitalism"
• Heleyni Pratley declaring that the worst thing that has ever happened to her was "being separated from my boyfriend by the state for protesting"
• Eleanor Bishop answering rapid-fire questions about women while changing a bicycle tyre
• The Mother's song about afghans and eight-cheese macaroni cheese
• Erin Banks's coming out song, "I'm a Woman-Loving Woman"
• The self-defence song and accompanying actions - Grab, Squeeze, Twist, Pull
• The fairy godmother-styled MC and her massive pink puffy dress

The one male who attended with us also enjoyed it, but said that there was too much "female masturbation simulation", which was gross. This, I think, is exactly the point - MINGE does what feminists have been doing for decades, confronting the audience with things that some of them might find disturbing or uncomfortable and forcing them to ask why that is. Why is it that movies which involve adolescent boys masturbating are funny, but girls doing it is taboo?

Overall a very enjoyable hour and high on the recommended list.