Play launches calendar for Breast of Canada
Guelph Mercury, By ROBYN READ
GUELPH (Oct 4, 2003)
There is nothing quite comparable to the experience of sitting behind an entire rowing team of breast cancer survivors, (led by coach Pat Richards, of the University of Guelph's Athletic Centre), watching a play called The Strong Breast Revolution.
This one-act topless play attempts to educate and entertain its audience, exploring issues about arguably the most objectified part of the female body, at least by Western cultural standards.
When we live in a society where breasts are glorified in everything from blockbuster films to "advertisements for kitty litter," as the play parodies, The Strong Breast Revolution is a healthy change, dealing with themes of breast cancer awareness, sexuality, breast feeding, adolescent body image, even the fun of "playing with your breasts."
While raising serious concerns, the play is performed with humility and humour, persuading the audience to feel comfortable discussing an issue which was previously limited to intimate conversations with a partner or, more likely, the sales assistant at La Senza.
The Strong Breast Revolution was collectively created for a directing course last spring, taught by University of Guelph professor Kim Renders. Sue Richards, publisher of the now globally renowned Breast of Canada calendar, saw the show and was "blown away" by the performance. She invited the cast and crew to restage the show for her 2004 calendar's launch. Now one of the month's images is coming to life on stage, speaking to an audience of prospective buyers.
Current and graduate university students Meagan Timms, Melannie Gayle, Christine Lafazanos and Laurel Atkinson perform the show under the direction of Vicki Hambley and stage management of Jessica Strothard.
Although it is a personal triumph, since the play is based on their own experiences, herein lies the production's weakness; this is a play which celebrates difference, breasts are praised whether they are old or young, as well as changed or missing after surgery. However, these women are all young and of good health. Hambley admits that she was looking for women of all varieties; these actors just happened to be the ones willing to bare themselves and share their stories on stage.
This made me wonder if their proposed revolution is almost too simplistic; after being encouraged to cover up our bodies for so long, is it really that easy to embrace and reveal ourselves to others, when we do not match the visual stereotype?
During the question and answer period following the show, one spectator asked the women if they were initially so confident about their own bodies. Hambley responded that they had a few clothed rehearsals before the women were topless in front of each other, building up their comfort level gradually until they had to face an audience.
And when I spoke with the actors at the end of the night, I realized that the attention on their individual bodies had made them nervous. But they were brave enough to perform the production in an attempt to fight, as Hambley puts it, the "negative influences in today's society." By showing us their breasts and leaving nothing to the imagination, they are not only proud owners of their own bodies, but protectors of the female body image. This is an important message for anyone, of any age or gender.
The Strong Breast Revolution runs at the Guelph Youth Music Centre, 75 Cardigan St., today and Sunday at 3 p.m, and tonight, Oct. 4, 7, 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. Catch it while you can locally; after hearing the response and support from the audience, I would not be surprised if this play sparks other performances beyond Guelph.
Tickets are $10 in advance, $13 at the door and are available at the Bookshelf, River Run Centre box office or by calling 763-3000.
If you're interested in checking out the various art affiliated with the production, or purchasing a calendar (available for $19.95), doors open an hour before showtime.