Written and directed by Mikaela Corrigan, Secret Girl Stuff is immaculate theatre. Hear me out. Over an extraordinary 90 minutes, the show weaves together a myriad of visceral scenes, stories, and moments that mark the journey from girlhood to adulthood.
I think we each experience a certain occasion when we understand for the first time that girls have secrets (mine was in 1992, listening to Little Earthquakes by Tori Amos for the first time, but I digress), along with a later understanding of some of the insidious hows and whys these secrets persist as something hidden.
Indeed, the word “Secret” has connotations of discretion, being quiet and concealed. While the Irene Mitchell Studio is admittedly tucked away, Secret Girl Stuff is anything but meek as cast and crew (Joseph Wasson – lighting designer and tech operation) transform their black box space into a kind of thespianic foundry – constructing a righteous show that is as much resistance in face of systemic misogyny and rape culture as is an engaging and entertaining work of live performance.
Of the performances here, whether in scenes of intimate revelation or outlandish satire, each member of the cast – Rachele Edson, Lycia Mae, Madison Hough, Alice Mahony, Nicholas Pavan, Angel Aumua – were each fantastic on stage.
To be sure, one of the many exquisite qualities of Mikaela’s writing and direction is that it isn’t a monotone polemic. There are many moments of light and humour, these precious things that serve Secret’s narrative so well while also depicting the incredible strength in girls’ friendships and how they can be as much an act of resistance as one that requires a fist.
The session I attended was criminally under-attended, with few chances left to see it. If there was any show in Fringe that deserves to end its run with a full house, this is it. You won’t regret it!
Secret Girl Stuff
St. Martins Youth Arts Centre – Irene Mitchell Studio, 44 St Martins Lane, South Yarra
Performance: Thursday 17 October 2024
Season continues to 19 October 2024
Information and Bookings: www.melbournefringe.com.au
Image: Secret Girl Stuff – photo courtesy of Cats in the Cupboard Productions
Review: David Collins