OBSERVER: Chip On Her Shoulder
A premiere performance as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival at Theatre Works Explosive Factory. Chip on Her Shoulder is a play for anyone ready for laughs and emotional bonding.
Written and directed by Jen McAuliffe who commenced writing while working in theatre in New York. Under the mentorship of Steve Leff she developed the play, cleverly for just a one-woman performer.
While exploring the messiness of life, grief, late night cravings and the coping ways people use to get by, Kate played by Vanessa Buckley is no ordinary Aussie nurse living in New York City and working double shifts.
Writer McAuliffe quoted: “I wanted to make something funny and truthful and a little bit cathartic”, the release of pent-up emotions through drama. Kate’s cravings are satisfied with her dependence on salty snacks, be it Ruffles or Pringles.
So Chip on Her Shoulder has her chasing her dream with the audience being swept along with her as she
has dating failures, auditioning letdowns, loneliness and much more.
Her sexual fantasies and life encounters are woven throughout the play and comfort comes with indulging a range of chips carefully placed or hidden throughout the stage, that she even shared with throwing packets to the audience.
Suddenly opening a first aid box to reveal an open packet of chips clearly indicates her dependence upon – one salty snack at a time.
Vanessa Buckley was engaging at all times with a blend of humour and anxiety as were taken on a journey of survival, well crafted.
A life fulfilled. That is the question?
Review by Graeme McCoubrie