THEATRE REVIEW: "Court My Crotch" is a wildly unique exploration of acceptance and equality
At face value, Court My Crotch could be perceived to be just another attempt to represent the glittery and glistening side of the Perth drag scene. However, this James McMillan-directed/written experience delves further into an extraordinary conversation that is equal parts entertaining and important.
A cast of just three, the 80-something minute long spectacle documents a “tennis match” between two characters: “Sport” and “Queen”. The third character, arguably the stand out performance, presents the societal voice of judgement as the fabulous trouble making umpire. Throughout the show, countless societal issues concerning the sport and drag scene are explored. The mix of humour and unsettling realism call for an interesting watch that is truly a refreshing Albeit a little too long, Court My Crotch is a multi-layered experience that showcases how two seemingly opposite people are not as different as they think.
Photography by Marshall Stay
By using stereotypes featured in the sporting world, we get a glimpse into the sometimes toxic masculinity that clouds both the sporting and the LGBTQ community. The character Sport represents the traditional, straight, handsome and popular archetype, while Queen flies the drag flag high and proud, commanding the audience with an excellent, but moving performance from Ash Traylia. It’s a funny play - albeit one that can be hard to keep up with at times, because of the sheer erratic nature of the flow of events. People are constantly shouting and screaming, and next thing you know both characters are getting almost naked, pretending to shower. Not for the faint hearted, but an entertaining hour-and-a-half that is extremely important under the wigs and makeup. This conversation of toxic masculinity in sport, and society in general, is one that should be listened to at all times. Court My Crotch is a different type of theatre to say the least, but an interesting and well-written lesson about acceptance and equality.
Catch Fugue’s “Court My Crotch” at The Blue Room Theatre from 18th Sept - 6th October
header image credit: Marshall Stay