Strong Female Character: Moving And Provocative Comedy at The Garden Of Uneartly Delights – Adelaide Fringe Review

The Garden Of Unearthly Delights - The Spare Room, Wed 25 Feb Rowena Hutson stars in Strong Female Character, one of the most moving and provocative pieces of The Fringe this year. Hutson (or Row, as she asks the audience to call her) tells the story of how she came to terms with her identity through watching action films, and focusing on the (male) action heroes. Opening with an amusing overview of the five Die Hard films, including costume and wig changes, she then performs dance routines that first explain what she learned from action heroes, and then what she learned about women from action heroes. Feminism and action heroes, two subjects she cares deeply about, seem like they would be contradictory. But, as Hutson explains, they are not mutually exclusive. She then shows how many popular action stars formed her identity at a young age, including Han Solo, Marty McFly and John McLane. Hutson shares her passion for these characters, who have taught her both good and bad, and her love and enthusiasm for them is obvious. Hudson is a masterful storyteller, who connects with everyone in the audience. Her story is told with compassion and humour. From there, she looks to herself, and finds what it takes to be her own hero, and then ends the performance by sending a message to her younger self, and further to a younger generation. Hudson’s story was moving, and while it may have been a touch sentimental, left this reviewer still thinking about her story hours after the show. She uses humour as a means of speaking about difficult subjects, and does so with aplomb. While it is a great show for audiences of all ages, it would be important for younger viewers to see as well. Elizabeth Harnett Strong Female Character continues at The Garden Of Unearthly Delights - The Spare Room from 7pm until Sun Feb 28. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.