What I liked
The writing was sharp and descriptive, with surprising bits of humor. The way football is woven into the storytelling worked really well, both as a way of understanding the psyche of the protagonist and as a means of moving the story forward in time. The performance was powerful—nothing held back!!! The tech was minimal and specific, shifting time and place seamlessly. Lots to like about this show!
What I didn't like
There were a few places when the performer was in shadow, so shifting some lighting and staging would help. And at the end of the piece, as she is taking ownership of her choices and her sexuality, I wanted a little something more—not sure what, but this woman has gone through hell to come to a place of self-love and self-acceptance, and I wanted to feel a bit more triumph at the end.
My overall impression
Wow. This show got me from the opening lines. I found myself gripping my armrest, my heart pounding, and then suddenly, I was smiling as I listened to a little girl knocking down boys on a football field. This show had me laughing one minute, angry the next, and I was cheering for the protagonist until I was afraid for her, then back to cheering. This show spoke to me deeply as a woman, and as my husband said, “Every man should see this show.” It is powerful, engaging theatre that asks its audience to investigate views of sexuality through a different lens: that of a young girl who doesn’t know any better, but wants desperately to understand it all. GO SEE THIS SHOW!
