Eve Miller
SLAG Productions take on the patriarchy, fanatical Catholicism, and empowerment in this quasi-stand-up one (almost) nun show. Writer and performer Moira McAuliffe blends her own experiences growing up in America in a strict Catholic household with the experiences of Isabella in Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure.
Fresh from the notoriously problematic (get it?!) ending of Measure for Measure, Isabella stumbles across an open mic at a comedy club. Initially dismayed by the un-Christian behaviour of the lewd and drug-fuelled club, she decides to try to process the traumatic events of Measure for Measure by sharing with the audience. The set becomes more and more meta-theatrical as it progresses, with McAuliffe, as herself, regularly interrupting Isabella to share her take on the plot of Measure for Measure, comparing Isabella’s journey with her own experiences of Catholicism, men, and Catholic men.
In light of recent political events in the US, the reinvigoration of the religious Right, and the gender based violence committed by the US president, this production touches on some key global concerns, imploring the audience to consider the title of the show. When men in power are permitted to behave against their professed religion to commit violence against women, then to whom should we complain? The show doesn’t quite reach the depth required to adequately interrogate these themes, remaining tantalisingly surface level for the most part. Fans of Shakespeare will enjoy the character analysis, and exploration of what goes unsaid in the concluding scene.
Despite the gravity of the show’s central concern, McAuliffe hits some real funny moments in her set, coaxing giggles from the audience with ease. She gives a brave and committed performance, with a likeable, nervous energy as Isabella and emotional truth when it counts. While entertaining, the show could have been tighter, with a little too much pausing and dithering for my taste, and one too many repetitive bits that didn’t amount to anything more than replication. I would have loved a little more resolution between the characters of Moira and Isabella, and for Isabella to get a say on Moira’s situation for a change.
To Whom Should I Complain is a thought-provoking and ambitious interrogation of one of Shakespeare’s most complex female characters. While it doesn’t always hit the mark, McAuliffe is likeable and entertaining, sharing distinctive anecdotes with care and passion.
Recommended Drink: A tall glass of holy water, or a shot of vodka if you’re a heathen.
Catch To Whom Should I Complain at Just the Spare Room at Just the Tonic at The Caves between 1st and 11th August at 18:20 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Lamesha Ruddock
Jasmine Silk
