February 8, 2023
I find myself increasingly thinking about what it means to be heading towards menopause… surely that has nothing to do with the fact that I am now perimenopausal? But what comes with the aging process for us women is the fact that we have pretty much disappeared in the media by the time we are 35, so that by the time you’re 50 you’re practically invisible. Look I can do without the men learing at me in the streets which I now see them do to my daughter - have done so since she was 12 years of age - it’s so loathsome the male gaze - but the fact that we are under-represented in the arts (next time you watch a streaming service check out how many women above 40 you see compared to the number of men). What does this mean when it comes to the influence this has on society; how people see you in the Western world once you reach a certain age.
I have been reading the book, Hagitude by Sharon Blackie and she speaks of how there is no word in English to speak of older people that is positive. When you think of the word “elderly”, what does that conjure up in your mind? Well, you know it’s true; for a long time, we’ve been conditioned to believe that older people are pretty much worthless (this obsession with youth, particularly for women, is absolutely nuts we haven’t even found ourselves as yet until, well in my case, we are 40).
Blackie goes on to say that in First Nations language, the word “Elder” is used rather than “elderly” because Elders are valued; they are seen to have lived experiences of the world, which will guide future generations of people. Well I choose to be heading towards elderhood as I head towards menopause, and I choose to be seen and represent the female elders of my generation and, in doing so, support other amazing women who are perimenopausal and menopausal who are using their voice to share their stories.
So here’s my pick of amazing strong elder women like me, who are lifting their voices this Adelaide Fringe; some of whom I have developed my work alongside, others whose work has been compared to mine (so I must see them) and others just because they are breaking the mould. So impressed by them all. Check these shows out and start listening to your elders. You will find wisdom behind their storytelling.
An aside: wasn’t it wonderful to see Michelle Yeoh, Angela Bassett, and Jennifer Coolidge win their respective categories at the Golden Globes recently…it’s about time!!
So if you’re with me and want to make the invisible wise women visible again, go see these shows with me :D I already have my tix - do you?
Much love,
Tarsha
Here's my recommendations for the 2023 Adelaide Fringe (including links)
1) Unapologetic (my show, of course)
What does it mean to be an UNAPOLOGETIC woman?No less a perimenopausal unapologetic woman.Does it mean you’re angry or shrill?Does it make you a dangerous woman?Or does it simply mean you no longer give a s**t about what other people think?Join Tarsha as she shares her story-hilarious as it is heartbreaking-exploring what it means to live without apology.With refreshing honesty,a stellar set-list,and heartfelt authenticity,Tarsha unpacks the everyday experiences that challenge us all from familial dysfunction to profound love, from unrequited dreams to midlife crisis. If you’ve ever questioned your own family lineage (and subsequent psyche!) you’ll be compelled as Tarsha unravels hers in this highly relatable and insightful hour of story and song.
"Poignant,heartfelt,relatable"- Amelia Ryan.
2)Penny Arcade: The Art of Becoming Episode 3: “Superstar Interrupted”
The Art of Becoming: Episode 3 – 1967-1974: "Superstar Penny Arcade returns to the experimental memoir, rock-and-roll performance theater she pioneered in the 1980's with the quotable one-liners and the cultural critique we have come to expect from her.
EPISODE 3, From her immigrant italian family to the NY legends of the Underground, a walk on the wild side to Max’s Kansas City, with Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe, Andy Warhol, Rent A-Superstar, and the Stonewall Uprising. Its about when Fame is not enough. Its about the completion of character, our ancestors and how the past comes back to meet us.
Bonus: How To Stay Young Forever!!
Penny Arcade: The Art of Becoming, a memoir, live show and podcast is being conceptualized and created by Penny Arcade and Steve Zehentner.
3) Gill Hicks - Still Alive and Kicking
Laugh, Cry, Sing!
This Multi Award winning show, including the Edinburgh Fringe Award in 2021 is a spellbinding hour sharing the insights of Life and the wonder of being present in the beauty of the Moments. Told through the languages of Visual Art, Music and spoken narrative, the impact of Human connection is the thread that paces throughout.
“If there is one thing worth doing this Fringe, it is spending an hour in a darkened room with Gill Hicks.” Samela Harris, The Barefoot Review ★★★★★
http://www.thebarefootreview.com.au/menu/theatre/119-2014-adelaide-reviews/2131-still-alive-and-kicking.html
“… a calling to all of us to relish the mundane as much as the magnificent,” Steve Davis, The Adelaide Show ★★★★★
4) Tracy Crisp - Where to from here?
She's on the trip of a lifetime: middle-aged, menopausal and forgotten to buy her ticket. Sitting in the station cafeteria drinking over-brewed tea and eating stale croissants, a stranger asks her, 'Do I know you?' This simple question will change the course of her life forever.
It's a Gen-X lament, a journey through time, and a middle-aged coming of age.
In the first show of her new trilogy, Tracy Crisp once again brings you her unique brand of humour, poignancy and wit and whimsy.
Written and performed by Tracy Crisp
Directed by Maggie McGinty
5) Melanie Zedd - Crowded Blouse
"Laughter, reflection & delicious songs along the way...you must see this show!" ★★★★★ The Adelaide Show.
Lil Miss Mel is searching for the true song of her heart, or the nearest pub, whichever comes first! From cheesy 80s disco to bogan band-member, her escapades in the live music scene are told through parody, song & hilariously inappropriate anecdotes. "Clever, comedic reworking of pop classics... powerful soul and reconstructed pop". Superbly accompanied by Deborah Brennan, this joyful duo create heartful harmony and sublime sound that will ensure you laugh, cry and sing along. If you've ever wondered about who you are, where you're going or where you left your keys, this is the show for you.
6)Claudia Callisto - The Good Italian Girl Presents - Italian Love is a Battlefield
Based on her bestselling book "The Good Italian Girl" Claudia Callisto presents a culturally orientated comedy performance infused with 80s music on the battles ethnic females faced with their immigrant parents to simply leave their homes to spread their wings and dance to 80s music with their friends. Despite these battles, theses experiences made our generation the strong, resilient and the family focused women we are today. Now mothers ourselves we are negotiating similar but different battles with our own children & discovering that they do not realise how lucky they actually have it compared to our generation. Lets embrace the positive cultural experiences we've had instilled into us, and pass on those traditions to our children, providing a sense of belonging and freedom from guilt
7) Alexandra Frost - Hear My voice
What does your voice communicate? Does it help or hinder other people’s perceptions of you? And have you ever experienced what your voice can express through song when words are not enough?
In this cabaret show premiere, Alexandra Frost uses heartfelt stories and songs to explore the ups and downs of the complicated relationship she has with her own voice, which is considered unusually low and rare for a woman.
In 60 minutes of sincere, raw reflection, Alexandra shares stories about what our voices can speak to us about our emotions, personality, gender, confidence and more, all within a sumptuous set of jazz, blues, and soul tunes.
Accompanied by talented jazz pianist, Ed Heddle, Alexandra’s show is a celebration of the most incredibly expressive instrument we all have; our voice.
8) Shelley Dunstone - Raining Red Roses: the Hildegard Knef story
A tribute to the tumultuous life and sublime songs of Hildegard Knef (1925-2002), one of Germany's greatest stage, screen and music artists. In addition to her theatre work, she wrote 130 songs and 7 books, made 27 films, recorded 50 albums and gave 100 concerts. This musical bio-pic traces her life story from wartime Berlin to Hollywood, then to the concert halls of Europe. Married three times, often mired in scandal, adored and reviled in equal measure, her artistic career was powered by her unwavering belief that she should be showered with red roses. Her story is told in English, with songs in German and in English. Performed by Shelley Dunstone (story and vocals) with Musical Director Edward Heddle (piano).
9) Crones in Cabaret - Not Dead Yet (NSW)
Not Dead Yet!
A death defying show presented by Crones in Cabaret that laughs at tired cliches about older women. We’re ageing and raging, sick of being told life is over when you're old! You’ll laugh and cry as we challenge the myths and realities of ageing in a fast moving one hour show. This troupe of witty and wonderful women will entertain you with stories, songs and sketches, along with special guest Joanie the koala. Not Dead Yet! tackles issues such as ageism, activism, homelessness, dementia and scamming with wit and wisdom. Despite these tough topics, the overwhelming tone of the show is a zest and zeal for life and stressing the importance of "glowing before you go" and living each day as if it's your last.
https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/not-dead-yet-af2023