My overall impression
Written By Monica Kinnaird for Life In LA
http://lifeinla.com/entertainment/streams/theatre/128-theatre/9763/shame-based-fun-is-everyone
An independent, semi-one woman show hits center stage at the Elephant Studio, 1078 North Lillian Way, Hollywood, 90038. The world premiere comedy of Shame Based Fun, written and performed by Sasha Fisher, opened the Hollywood Fringe Festival on June 6. This is a 60 minute play, and performances are June 6-27.
For anyone seeking a story about feminism told in an unconventional way, then this play will hit the mark. The Lillian theatre is a well air conditioned black box studio with a seating capacity of 24 people. Tickets are $3. And be prepared to come early, there is no designated parking available. Sasha Fisher recently moved to Los Angeles after graduating from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. In Europe, she performed in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I was excited to experience a production at Elephant Stageworks because they are known for breaking new ground, and exploring innovative concepts. Shame Based Fun proudly continues the tradition of pushing the boundaries of contemporary theater.
An encompassing theme throughout Shame Based Fun is the idea that everyone has, at one time or another, questioned either their societal gender role, or sought validation in order to feel wanted and worthy. Sasha Fisher opens the show by addressing the audience and posing the question, “What is theatre anyway?” as a projector fails to work, and the audience is left wondering if it is part of the play. Her character does not let the failed projector be a deterrence, and Sasha gracefully continues on portraying a woman who must “choose her own fetishes” and decide “Am I into it? Or Just Curious?” as she explores sexuality and her own femininity at the same time.
Joining Sasha’s character on stage is her brother, played by Misha Fisher, who is busy trying to ignore his sister’s antics while taking care of business. His irritation quickly mounts as she persistently continues prodding him to portray the plethora of characters who have plagued her life, carving out her sense of self and her position in the world. Her brother goes through multiple wigs, and even pads his chest for the female roles. His role-playing enables Sasha to travel back in time and examine her relationships with herself as well as with others. Anyone willing to ponder societal values about beauty along with the sexual exploration of a twenty something young woman, should definitely go watch this play. Boundaries are pushed at every turn and humor will creep up when least expected.
Be prepared to delve into the life of a girl who uses her dreams of Irish pirates as a way to explore explicit sexual fantasies. Sasha does not hold back in her performance, beat around the bush, nor shy away from adult language. However, I found there to be an underlining voice encouraging a “respect yourself” mantra. Sasha’s character speaks quickly while exploring her past and attempting to figure out why she falls into negative female stereotypes. The ever evolving story attempts to “forcibly make it everyone’s business.” “It” being feminism. Light-hearted moments can be found especially when Sasha reveals her skills as a professional rapper. Everyone will truly enjoy her version of It’s None of Your Business by Salt-N-Pepa. It is important to note that due to the use of adult language this play may only be suitable for audiences ages 15 and up.
Sasha Fisher’s, Shame Based Fun, is a fun filled affair with shock value that surveys the world of feminism through a young woman’s point of view.
Shame Based Fun is part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival with performances running June6-27 at the Elephant Studio, Lillian Theatre, 1078 North Lillian Way, Hollywood, 90038. Tickets are only $3 so snatch them up and enjoy the journey. More information about this production can be found at www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/1729
http://lifeinla.com/entertainment/streams/theatre/128-theatre/9763/shame-based-fun-is-everyone
