SAME PENIS FOREVER provides hilarity for everyone, while at the same time challenging the stigma around divorce, addressing mental health, embracing body positivity and promoting self-love – it’s not to be missed!
At the fledgling young age of 24, Rebel found herself with both a marriage and then a subsequent divorce under her belt, and this is what inspired the creation of SAME PENIS FOREVER. The audience is taken back in time to witness Rebel’s journey, from young and falling in love, to the whirlwind of an engagement and then marriage, followed by the influence of a horrible Mother-In-Law and the eventual breakdown of her relationship – plus Rebel’s personal breakdown. Balancing out the heavy stuff are also the positives that came from the end of her marriage, such as the much-needed post-divorce debauchery, and growth of self-love.
Not once throughout the night does the show not deliver entertainment. Rebel is a force on-stage and also definitely one of the most likeable personalities at Adelaide Fringe. This one-woman show never feels like an egotistical ride or narcissistic showpiece, but instead builds strong and safe relationship between performer and audience. As Rebel strips away the questionable standards of society and addresses “toxic marriag-inility” (as well as her clothes), you can’t help but feel emotionally connected to her and her story. You find yourself passionately rooting for her as her life unwinds before your eyes, and admire her ability to use humour as a communication device about serious topics.
Highlights of the show include Rebel rapping to the audience in the character of her morally-corrupt, fat-shaming, prenup-pushing ex-Mother-in-law, as well as a game of Never Have I Ever – the S.L.U.T edition (used in sexually-liberated and progressive terms, not derogatorily). You’ll learn a lot about your neighbouring audience members as questions like “Never have I ever – masturbated in a public area” are asked of the crowd. Rebel’s sexually-liberated re-imagining of Disney Princess Ariel’s beloved song, “Part of Your World” not only provides entertainment, but shows off Rebel’s whopping vocals, as well as her “12 months of marriage” version of the famous Christmas carol.
Costumes change frequently, starting with a slightly mutilated white wedding dress and moving to sexy red lingerie, a two piece costume portraying both male and female characters, a grey wig and matching conservative mauve two-piece top and skirt, plus a daring hen’s do outfit. To fill the time in which Rebel changes costume off-stage, she has cleverly utilised the use of multimedia and plays short video skits on a large screen. These aren’t just boring space-fillers either, they are humorous additions that only build the quality of the show, from glimpses of a sickening amount of Facebook engagement posts to a fake (and rather brutal) advertisement promoting losing weight before your wedding.
Amongst the laugh-out-loud humour and numerous genitalia jokes, the show does also have its serious moments, addressing the stigma around divorce and the mental health issues that can be triggered by such significant life events. Rebel also opens up about her grandma’s experience with an abusive husband and raises the question about what behaviour people will accept from someone just because they are their partner. This is a great example of the arts addressing societal issues that often go un-addressed, and is especially powerful coming from someone with lived experience.
SAME PENIS FOREVER addresses important patriarchal societal standards with entertaining humour, impressive skits and a wardrobe of exciting costumes, presented by one of the most likeable personalities at the Fringe. Grab your friends, family and anyone else over 18 for a night of humour, nudity, sassiness and fun.