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Starring:
Tonya Jones,
Jenn Robbins &
Angela Wiggins
Directed
by: Adele Cabot |
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LA
WEEKLY LOW
LEVEL PANIC
by
Sandra
Ross |
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NEW: Recommended
Strong ensemble work lifts Claire McIntyre’s
one-act above its feminist dialectic. Three
roommates confront body image and male power
from differing perspectives. Recent assault
victim Mary (Angela Wiggins) is visibly
on edge. She keeps noticing billboards decorated
with thin, expressionless models who embody
cultural stereotypes about femininity. In
contrast to Mary, sexually liberated Jo
(Tonya Jones) cultivates a body image that
will draw male attention. When Jo invites
Mary to a party and selects a slinky outfit
for her, the sexy ensemble causes Mary to
question the message her clothes might be
projecting. The third roommate, Celia (Jenn
Robbins), primarily functions as a foil
for the other two, and Robbins makes the
most of a small role. Though much of the
dialogue focuses on conventional notions
of beauty, McIntyre’s shrewd writing
also takes aim at the power imbalance in
gender relations. Adeptly directed by Adele
Cabot, interpolated monologues are smoothly
handled, as are shifts in tone. Wiggins’
barely suppressed hostility toward the male
power structure complements Jones’
unbridled enthusiasm for what male privilege
can bestow. Forbidden Fruit Theatre Company
at the Complex, Dorie Theater, 6476 Santa
Monica Blvd., Hlywd.; Thurs.-Sat., 8 pm
thru March 13. (323) 769-7030.
Written 03/04/2004 (Sandra Ross)
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