Same Penis Forever a female declaration of independence!
We joined Rebel Lyons Friday night at The Breakout at The Mill for her Fringe debut declaring Same Penis Forever.
Rebel’s show certainly lived up to her namesake showcasing rebellion, strength, honesty, humility, resilience, power and even way more applicable adjectives!
Same Penis Forever was not afraid to be vulnerable and take ownness over one’s hardship and marital adversities (including those resulting in divorce).
Rebel’s one woman show took us through the individualised experience of divorce, pressure, rejection, expectations and heartbreak. In turn, this personified the collective female experience making the personal – political!
Whilst the themes explored within this show were historically embedded in discomfort and an unsettling sense of familiarity – Rebel delivered this show with side-splitting humour, warmth and understanding.
A particular highlight for myself was Rebel’s hysterical character play within sporadically placed video intervals. The characters that were introduced throughout Same Penis Forever inspired joy and uproarious laughter.
Each character in Same Penis Forever aimed to embody an unwelcomed stereotype throughout the ‘married life’ process. Whether it be a geriatric blood diamond specialist, the overly medicated ‘Holly Homemaker’ or the baby hungry Mother-in-Law – Rebel made you both laugh and cringe in a sea of relatability.
I so appreciated this shows existence at our 2021 Adelaide Fringe Festival. Rebel turned her pain into (our) pleasure with notable hints of catharsis on her part.
WARNING: if you are traveling along to Same Penis Forever with a soon to be married friend viewer discretion is advised. We took a bride to be as a bit of a ‘Hens Night’ experience. Whilst she adored the show and laughed (probably the loudest in the crowd) she also left exploring some fears for her soon to be married off existence!
I applaud this woman as both an artist and radical human being. I think we are all much more grateful for her divorce than she is. Keep shining!
Knock-out first show! Go Rebel – I encourage you to bring us more in 2022!
5 Stars.