Woman | Women – Shakespeare North Playhouse

Produced, directed, performed, and choreographed by Dr Rowena Gander, Woman I Women is a physical and comedic show that takes an ironic deep dive into the typically fast-paced nature of lesbian relationships, coming out of the other side with a more philosophical whole that encourages its audience to contemplate the meaning of relationships and oneself within and without one. Whilst its focus is on lesbian relationships, this powerful, empowering, and informative work resonates on a number of levels.

Less is more and Gander’s approach to physical theatre demonstrates how you can do a lot with a little as a basic rectangular cuboid frame serves as a metaphoric clothes horse that brings two into one as well as the boxing ring for some playful fighting through to the rougher breaking up, whilst all the time sitting at the heart of a piece that takes us through the relationship cycle from meeting up to becoming involved; from connection and intimacy to fighting; from making up to falling apart, littered with good humour and insight.

For each performance, Gander fuses performance art and physical theatre to ambitiously explore that new relationship with a duet section – which here featured Lily Antonia – that questions the challenges of pace, compatibility, attachment, and scarcity mindsets in lesbians, and how those components impact the relationship a lesbian has with herself. Whilst Gander’s work is tailored to the topic of lesbianism, she acknowledges the wider human angle at play: as a heterosexual man, I found the content both accessible and easily recognisable from my own relationship experiences as well as an appreciation of the importance of authenticity.

There is a clever use of pre-recorded voice over to supplement the unfolding action, which provides the necessary ironic take on academia as well as allowing Gander’s natural wit to come to the fore by vocalising her thoughts and which satisfyingly results in an engaging performance drawing much on her own life experiences as well as those of others.

The physical demands on the performers are clearly visible at times and the performance is all the more impressive because of it, in a work that is readily accessible and where Noel Jones; sound design and Phil Saunders’ lighting design both match and complement the mood and emotion of each turning point whether it be a celebration of love or the tension of argument.

There is much to appreciate, learn, and value from this work that will tour more widely in the New Year; Gander’s ambition is to create a 24-hour durational piece where she duets with a corresponding number of lesbian performers who provide an ever-stimulating dynamic through their differing age, physicality, and experiences, which I hope she can achieve as this is an important piece of work. Whilst aimed at and for lesbians, by flipping it around it is equally capable to demystify the societal stereotypes that people too easily defer to. I could certainly see a derivation of this performed in schools which would be both empowering and informative to young women and men alike. I for one am looking forward to catching up with Gander in the near future to continue the intelligent discussion she has created with this fascinating piece of work.

Shakespeare North Playhouse aims to bring people together to participate in a unique programme of performance, activities, and conversations, collaborating with audiences, artists, and its local communities. For further information https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/

Dr Rowena Gander is an academic / international performance artist who creates thought provoking solo performance works that question and negotiate themes of sexuality, power, and objectification in women. For further information on her work including this production www.rowenagander.com

Reviewer: Mark Davoren

Reviewed: 30^th November 2024

North West End UK Rating: