Theatre / feminism
‘An antidote to pink, pastel and barbie dolls’: meet the ‘Women Who Gave No F*cks’
After three previous visits, September heralds the return of the Story Jam show Women Who Gave No F*cks, which is coming back to Tobacco Factory Theatres on 27-28, featuring special guest performers each night.
It’s designed as a celebratory show for people of any gender to enjoy, amplifying the inspirational super-women of history, myth and legend, many of whom are little known, side-lined or forgotten.
Putting “wit, brain, cunning, courage, righteous rage and the occasional super power” front and centre, the night utilises a human clap-o-meter, inviting audiences to crown the ‘Supreme Giver of Absolutely None’.
is needed now More than ever
Photo: Heard in London
Alys Torrance co-created Story Jam along with Lucy Lill, though the pair often bring in other collaborating performers to assist on shows, workshops and education projects.
Bristol24/7 asked Torrance about the stand-out women who have emerged in the WWGNF project to date.
Photo: Mark Dawson
“Perhaps Baubo is closest to my heart,” she considers.
“She is a goddess who pops out of the undergrowth and tells dirty jokes and flashes her extraordinary anatomy to make women laugh when they are at their lowest point and unable to carry on. Laughter is such a strength-giver.
“But then there are women who build ships in forests, fight off hoards with pokers, join elite fighting troops, outwit wizards, scream for hundreds of years, make universe-creating love, set bath houses and nunneries on fire… there are so many different ways of talking about human potential and desire. They’ve expanded my world.
Photo: Heard in London
Audience feedback has consistently cited the impact of a show which comes across as not only entertaining and funny but edifying, and manages to draw on history, folklore, myth and fairytale to tell the untold stories of women who lived life fully and on their own terms.
“These are often very ancient stories – extraordinary women have always stalked our imaginations,” reflects Torrance.
“Reconnecting with them and recognising that humans have been talking about women in all these many ways for millennia is, well, it’s a relief! We hope it makes people a bit more full of joy and a sense of possibility. We need that, don’t we?”
Women Who Gave No F*cks (age recommendation 16+) is at Tobacco Factory Theatres on September 27-28 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com.
Main photo: Heard in London
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