Words by Your Local hok  

Trigger warning: domestic violence and disordered eating  

Lawyer and self-proclaimed ‘professional feminist’ Millicent Saare introduces you her solo cabaret performance full of her strong and feminist-driven opinions.  

Combining the use of clever wordplay and satirical elements to convey her opinions on a number of systemic issues surrounding the patriarchy, Saare’s performance is heavily thought-provoking, bold, and honest. 

Saare delves deep in to some of the issues which many people are subject to throughout the different stages of our lives, such as power imbalances between men and women in heterosexual relationships, domestic violence, the taboo of women’s self-pleasure, the gender pay gap, and body image issues.  

You are given an introduction to old mate Kev’ in the opening stages of the show, who is flabbergasted as to why there are many raging feminists out there, despite the many inequalities and inequities which exist in the contemporary world.  

Throughout the show, Saare shifts between tackling systemic issues as a whole and sharing her lived experiences, which makes the show personable and serves as a self-reflection for her as well. Saare also acknowledges the privilege that has in the world as well.  

The message that will truly hit home for you is the contrast between men being given the tools to keep on growing and developing, whereas women are told to settle for what they have already.  

Saare’s narratives between each cabaret performance do exceptionally well to bolster her opinions shared, which leave you with a number of messages to take and home and critically reflect on.  

Although Saare links many of the issues surrounding the patriarchy towards white straight cisgender men, it is not personal nor directed at anyone specific (unless you’re the creepy old man who dates teenage women). Saare also discusses the impact of the patriarchy on women competing against other women and not to shame each other on how they dress or their ambitions. 

You will love Saare’s intimate and hilarious song about her haunted vibrator and the traumatic memories which now exist in her life, as well as her feminist rap about the gender pay gap, changing the date of Australia (invasion) day, and anti-vaxxers stealing slogans from anti-abortion campaigns.   

All of Saare’s performances will move you, but her song about every woman and femme person growing up with unrealistic body image expectations pushed by the media and the beauty industry will awaken you to question why these beliefs exist and where they have come from.   

As the show progresses, Saare’s songs and messages intensify until the end of the show nears, leaving the audience with a summary on the impacts of capitalism, fatphobia, transphobia, and of course the patriarchy.  

Millicent Saare is Opinioned is one show not to be missed. Saare’s opinions are as powerful as her applaud-worthy vocals, which will empower you to speak up and challenge the status quo every time you face inequalities and inequities.

 
Rating: ★★★★★