Selina Jenkins: BOOBS

Now a performance revolving around an eventual and elective double mastectomy doesn’t sound like it would be a barrel of laughs. And while it doesn’t fall into the barrel category, it is warm, witty, clever, engaging and thought provoking. To be honest, unexpectedly so.

Jenkins identifies as a queer, cisgender women. She wasn’t transitioning, she didn’t have cancer. In fact she is very careful to show respect for those women who do have cancer, and for whom the removal of one or both boobs is devastating.

She just felt no affection or need for hers. And she ponders, when we can do so much else, voluntarily, to our bodies why should her particular want, have been treated with such questioning and a little incredulity. But at least her psychiatrist liked her.

Melbourne based musician and comedian Jenkins has crafted a performance which explains the rationale behind her decision, the process of assessment to convince the medical profession to “sign off” on the surgery, the eventual procedure – in Florida, and the interesting, no, hilarious consequences of being caught up in Florida’s hurricane season. (Note to self, don’t visit Florida in August – no matter the reason – it’s “a bit” wet and windy).

Her story is told in a mix of expressive dialogue and lyrically clever song, with a minimum of fuss. One gets the impression, much like Selina herself. There’s just Selina, her wonderfully animated smile and eyes, her guitar, her psychiatrist’s voice (from high), and at one point a little audience participation from a willing and appreciative crowd.