What I liked
Like many Fringe shows I choose to review, my intrigue started with the title. With that in mind, immense adulation to writer/actress, Shannon Corbeil (Pauline Bonaparte) on creating a play about a real person about whom most people know nothing. One can only imagine what Pauline was truly like, but for the purposes of this show, she is a spitfire who casually says phrases like, “Feminism flies out of my body.” Also, she states, “Everyone will have their chance to be fondled.” Can I get an amen?
Cheers to the all-female cast of profoundly gifted performers! Joining Corbeil is Sarah J. Eagen (Helewise, the servant and sound effects specialist), Deborah Smith (Prince Camillo, the uninspiring husband to Pauline), and Shelley Regner (as Napoleon). Perhaps I should also give special mention to “Meredith” whose appearance will live on in infamy.
What I didn't like
Maybe once upon a time ago, I saw pictures of Venus Divine, Pauline’s semi-nude statue, but I certainly would not have any idea about the story of its creation… until now. Given the talent of the creatives involved, I ached for a paper mache statue. If the show can have a cardboard bathing vessel, anything is possible.
My overall impression
Question: What do you get when you combine history (around the time of the French Revolution), family dynamics (an older, Emperor of a brother), and female desires? Answer: Napoleon’s Who*re Sister, the serio-comedic portrait of Pauline Bonaparte. This show is much more than just a flashy, risqué title. The power is all in the messaging which highlights a woman proclaiming her sexuality and not being afraid to share it with the world.
Rest assured, the show is a jovial romp; however, serious issues concerning women’s rights are addressed. These similarities between one wealthy Princess and today’s everyday woman give me pause. Why are women STILL inferior to men? Why can a woman not have autonomy to her own body?
Shows like this one are a much needed reminder to the daily struggle women face.
