An ode to Gen-Z feminism: Piece of Work Theatre’s Screaming Into The Void deconstructs the convergence of online culture and modern femininity, all in an enticing, chaotic cascade of theatrical prowess.
Written by Kira Mason, the audience are welcomed to “The Void”, an unspoiled world of online-scrolling come to life, provided with three disciples: Clean Girl (Eva Ellis), Trad Wife (Arlene McKay), and Divine Feminine Goddess (Abi Price). An unwilling participant, Relatable Queen (Marine Horne) undermines their decisions to be a part of this world, and in a genius metatheatrical lens, the audience becomes their online viewers, “the comment section”. In the course of the play, they navigate their understanding of “The Void’, and what caused them to choose this life: revelations of disillusionment with economy, self-image and a marginalisation of women, are responsible.
McKay’s Trad Wife is a hyperbolic Nara Smith, having neglected her Medical degree due to financial fears, she marries purely for stability, while Ellis’ Clean Girl expresses a repulsion at her own body, promoting a rigorous “self-care” lifestyle, that instead only harms her. Along with Price’s eccentric crystal-worshipper, the three disciples are hilarious yet heartfelt, charismatic and compelling, and impressively distinct at all stages of characterisation.
The script means that Relatable Queen becomes a catalyst for the other’s self-discovery, rather than her own character or “disciple” figure; written as “relatable” and a “pick-me”, perhaps her very lack of stark character is instead used to further prove Mason’s notes on modern femininity. That being said, Horne’s initial grudging involvement, turned thoughtful and earnest at various stages of revelations about “The Void”, made for a thoroughly engaging performance.
An absurdist, unique and quirky script, with heartfelt messages about modern femininity underscoring the perfectly performed silliness, Piece of Work Theatre’s Fringe Debut show is an absorbing, appealing, and enjoyable watch. And, in case the title wasn’t enough of a clue, Screaming Into The Void, shows female rage at its most powerful.
Screaming Into The Void runs every second day at 3.15pm until 22 August at The Space on the Mile.
Buy tickets here.
Image by Roo India Ford provided by Piece of Work Theatre to The Student as press.
