Rapture Blister Burn at the Ensemble

Here's what I said over at Artshub about this tremendous show http://performing.artshub.com.au/news-article/reviews/performing-arts/rapture-blister-burn-197272Gionfriddo’s script is punchy, witty and challenging. At times it is hilarious with some terrific one liners. Four women from three generations critique and analyse feminism, love, friendship and loneliness in this thought provoking play. What do women want? Can a woman have both a career and a fulfilling home life? Has anything really changed since the 1960s? Dark beauty Georgie Parker is magnificent as Catherine, giving a superb performance as the dutiful returning daughter. The questioning yet vulnerable feminist agent provocateur makes challenging connections between porn and pop culture in her books. With virtually rock star status as a now famous academic, how does she define feminism? And does she really ‘have it all’? Throughout the play Catherine’s loneliness is a recurring theme. She will need support once her mother has passed away, and the steadfastness of love and friendship. The summer course that Catherine leads has the women vehemently discussing the debate between ‘second wave’ feminist leader Betty Friedan and anti-feminist crusader Phyllis Schlafly, with Schlafly surprisingly seeming to have the upper hand at certain times. Anne Tenney gives a terrific performance as Gwen, Catherine’s ex-roommate who snaffled Don (Glenn Hazeldine) away from her a decade ago. She is lonely and dispirited, seemingly trapped in her unhappy marriage to Don and has become a mousey stay at home housewife. She is always moaning about how she wishes she could escape, complete her university course, travel and change places with Catherine, but always shies away from the chance for change. Young Chloe Baylis as Avery is exuberant and opinionated and at times inattentive to the feelings of others when asking very blunt personal questions and uses lots of coarse language. Her views on feminism cause heated discussion and she goes through heartbreak herself. We are meant to see her as the ‘new’, futuristic’ voice of feminism. Graham Maclean’s beautiful set design is in pale wood and soft blue with delightful large windows.The changing of the blinds, and blackouts, are a nice touch which indicate the passing of time over the summer. A top cast give sizzling performances in this very topical play that recognises that life is infinitely messier than theory and examines how women, and men, find happiness and conquer disappointment. Running time 2 hours 30 (approx ) including one interval 4 stars 6 November 2013 Rapture Blister Burn runs at the Ensemble Theatre until 7 December 2013 Rapture Blister Burn by Gina Gionfriddo