SLUT: The Play That Explores Slut Shaming, Rape Culture And Victim Blaming – Adelaide Fringe Review

The German Club – The Studio, Thu 19 Feb Words have power, and the power of this one-syllable word –‘Slut’- reverberates. While the word slut can be used to empower, it can also be used to harm. SLUT: The Play follows high-schooler Joey, who is a part of the ‘Slut Squad’: a group of friends on the dance team. The name has always been there, as Joey explains: “To be on the Slut Squad, you just need to be on the dance team”. One night she goes to a party with three of her guy friends, but when she arrives she is crying, throwing up, and holding her torn underwear in her hand. She reports that the boys raped her. They counter that she wanted to do it, and just regrets her decision. The play delves into the consequences of Joey’s report, for her and her friends. What does it mean to use the word ‘slut’? How can women reclaim the word to their advantage, while not having it hurt them? How do we combat slut shaming and a rape culture that is steeped in victim blaming? While the play does sometimes feel like it is hitting all of the ‘Feminism 101’ points, the discussion is still valid and one, especially in today’s world, that can't be overheard. The actors, as an ensemble, were terrific. The dialogue was quick, sharp and natural, and effectively included the many influences of today’s technology: Facebook, Skype, Instagram. The staging was also clever: Joey tells her story at a desk in the middle of the stage, overlapping with scenes of the other girls coming to terms with what she has done, their words echoing (and emphasising) each others. SLUT: The Play focuses on the issues that many, if not all, young women have to face as they’re growing up, and deals with them in a poignant and insightful manner. 4 stars Elizabeth Harnett SLUT: The Play continues at The German Club – The Studio, at various times, until Sat 27 Feb. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.