Nine Moons is a wonderful creation by Nilgün Yusuf. Set in the house of a secondary school-age girl Sage played by Selma Alkaff with minimal stage props. You are given a window into the life of Sage and her long-standing friend Danni (Ella McCallum) and newbie Loukia (Sophia Andrea). These three very likeable teenagers are on a psychological and physical journey through their teenage years and take the audience with them on an uncomfortable journey.
Sage meets the new school friend Loukia, who is quite different from Danni. Sage is badly struggling with her evolving body. And is at war with her constantly growing body hair. She is held in check by Danni, a social influence, who is very focused on her body and diet and exercise. Which we later discover is her way to control herself due family’s home life. With the new school friend, comes some fresh ideas about how your body should be and how to look.
Loukia introduces Sage to life through a different lens and is given time to explore different theories such as the “male gaze” and the book “The Female Eunuch” by Germaine Greer. This leads to Sage taking time for self-reflection and looking at different perspectives. However, Danni is repulsed by Loukia and becomes even more obsessed with her exercise regime, healthy image and keeping up a good outside image. However, this regime of self-punishment helps her to keep the reality of her life hidden.
I found I laughed a lot alongside the characters, they are warm and relatable and I found myself going on the thinking process with them. Questioning the social expectations of women and their bodies. It questions periods and the stigma, which continues and how hidden they are. Loukia’s boldness is impressive and her level of sensibility as she helps her new friend release herself from the chains women carry. The audience could be left questioning the level of preening, hiding and censoring that takes place daily.
This wonderful play shines light on our lives as a woman and sees three young women beginning to navigate through life. All these ladies bring something different to the table due to their upbringings and informative years, the references made about Sage’s mother are hilarious and I really want to meet her.
I was left invested in these ladies’ lives and I wanted more of them seeing where life took them. Seeing their friendship develop and I look forward to the next instalment. Should that ever be written?
For more information about Nine Moons and future productions at Bridge House Theatre please use the link below.
Five Stars.
Reviewed for Theatre and Arts Reviews by Carla Norris.
Photo credit Jasmine de Silva.
Nine Moons
CAST:
Selma Alkaff SAGE
Sophia Andrea LOUKIA / BEARDED IRIS
Ella McCallum DANNI
CREATIVE TEAM:
PRODUCER Nilgün Yusuf
DIRECTOR Danäe Cambrook
SOUND DESIGNER Vanessa Garber
LIGHTING DESIGNER Alex Teixidó Blouna
PHOTOGRAPHER Jasmine de Silva
CONSULTANT Dr. Jazmina Cininas
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