Review-BitterGirl-Aurora Theatre
31-10-13
By: Stephanie Ip
BitterGirl, simply put, is a light-hearted play about three women getting dumped and getting over it.
Writers Annabel Griffiths, Alison Lawrence and Mary Frances Moore have been collectively dumped 57 times, which lends them credibility for writing a play on breakups. At one hour and 45 minutes (with a 15-minute intermission), the multitude of short skits provided several different scenarios that everyone in the audience could relate to.
There are tears, drunkenness, post break-up sex and car keying involved, and knowing laughter every time the ex, played by the perfectly infuriating Alex Wilkins says something along the lines of “I love you, I’m just not in love with you”, “It’s not your problem, it’s mine”, “You’ll always be my best friend” and “I just need to be alone.”
While Nicole Garbellini and Annabel Lam were both great actresses who pulled off the required balance of hilarity and melodrama, Natalie Lund’s portrayal of a single mother deserted by her husband was my personal favorite. Each woman had their own back-story but Lund had great presence on stage; and her character remained the most genuine and the most complex. She was the only one I truly believed justified the bitterness she felt over the breakup.
Indeed, this is my main criticism of the play. The fault lies more with the script than the actual production. It was discouraging to see women stereotyped as the vulnerable, broken ones at the end of the relationship. As a comedy, yes, I expected lots of exaggeration but I didn’t expect to see relationships simplified to this degree. We don't get the man’s point of view as much as the woman’s although, admittedly, this play is about bitter girls, not bitter boys.
I also wished each character had a more distinct personality because there were so many overlaps between Garbellini’s character as the casual dater and Lam’s character as the live-in girlfriend that parts of the play felt a bit repetitive.
Otherwise, even with its shortcomings, BitterGirl is an easily relatable and humorous play. You may leave feeling bittersweet about a previous relationship but, rest assured, you will not be leaving with a broken heart.
BitterGirl is playing at the HKRep Blackbox in Sheung Wan til Saturday. For more information, click here.
Comments
Neverland
Drivel. Poorly acted rendition of a boring script. Avoid.
02 November 2013Sally
I paid 230 for a low quality show that had most of its action on the downstage stage floor which obstructed the view of the audience. Poor staging! This was not worth 230. It was somewhat entertaining but I think you charged too much.
03 November 2013Hello
The problem with this show for me was the script. It made women look like fools. The actors did well but the play didn't do well for them. The girls should have spent less time on the floor too, literally couldn't see a thing. Also too expensive for what it was, I know shows in hk have to charge around 200 just to break even but its robbing the public charging anything over 100 dollars for a show of this quality.
03 November 2013A Producer in HK
The issue of ticketing prices in HK is incredibly controversial. I believe HKELD addressed this issue already. Rentals of venues in HK are not cheap: the Fringe takes 30% of the box office, the HK Art Centre takes from 18.000 to 24.000 HKD, the Civic Centre takes 25% out of the box office under a deposit of 15.000 (and they will take whichever is higher). Then there are the rights. Some agencies will take the 10 or 15% of the box office, under a deposit of 4000 or 5000 HKD. Given these figures, it is hard for independent theatre companies to produce shows, under a financial point of view. Very often money comes out of producers pockets, very rarely from sponsors or other sources (not impossible to find, but hard work). That's why it is crucial to generate a profit from these shows- so that producers can make shows happening again without using their own money and ease the financial burden, utilizing the profit generated from shows instead. I do understand the frustration of the audience at ticket prices that pass the classic 200 HKD, but given these figures, as producers, what choice do we have? I believe theatre groups have tried alternative spaces with less rental charge, but then they get penalized in promotion as the SCMP and perhaps other local publications do not advertise what happens outside Urbtix or HK Ticketing. Moreover, let's not forget that indie theatre groups will not have the certainty to make up for the money invested in the project, unless the audience turnout is satisfactory. On top of this, there are costumes, props, rehearsals space, flyers, programmes, transportation and more costs production related. This is an example of what happens in HK in any theatre production and I believe it is important for people who enjoy going to the theatre to understand where their money goes and why the charges are higher than other places.
03 November 2013Sally
Producer,
04 November 2013
I acknowledge and understand that there are costs to every production. However, I believe it's imperative that you consider the quality of what your producing. If you continue to produce low quality productions at a high price, you will continue to lose support and your audience will continue to decrease.Shark
I felt ripped off. I went because I support HKREP. What are they doing associating with crud like this. 230 HKD! Hong Kong theatre is so hit and miss. This was a big miss!!!!
04 November 2013Brad- the director
I appreciate all comments reasoned or otherwise and thank you for taking the time to write a post and expressing your opinions about this show.
04 November 2013
I find it interesting in the HK theatre scene that patrons of different companies and established venues consistently complain about ticket price relative to quality as though paying a cheaper price would have somehow made the show of a better quality, or that it might have made the show more bearable. But the simple truth is that no matter the cost, or the quality, or the material, or the performances, there will always be something for someone to complain about. Critics will always be critical. The wise person will listen to their critics and dismiss what is trivial while considering that portion of the critic that might have value.
Indie companies are often made up of passionate hobbiests who simply want to share in the process of telling a story- be that as a performer, designer, director, crew or producer. We don't want to make money and in point of fact actually spend our own money during the rehearsal process- all to get a chance to bring to the stage a story and a product that the audience may enjoy. That is what indie work is. Can the product be hit and miss? Sure. But what ticket holders are buying into when purchasing their ticket isn't just the performance they will hopefully enjoy, but the celebration of the process and the commitment of the individuals involved. If that doesn't appeal- go see the professional touring shows that may also be hit and miss, for at least twice the cost, and zero support for the local scene. No worries. We thank you for past support. However, if it does appeal, then keep buying those tickets knowing that it's about more than just the show- it's about celebrating people in your community.Shark
I take your point but this production showed bad direction, bad acting etc etc. It was advertised well and people like me who earn money don't like being duped. I don't want to spend money buying into a process. I want to spend it watching well-made theatre. If you are not up to providing that, don't sell it.
04 November 2013Brad- the director
Once again, thank you for your thoughts- anonymous as they are. Should you not wish to support further productions...well, we thank you for your patronage and wish you all the best.
04 November 2013Agree
I have to agree with Shark. I don't want to upset anyone as I did a lot of theatre in my twenties back home before wife, kids, life etc so I understand how annoying it is to put your time into a show and have it attacked. I would advise any director never to answer on pages like this. I am not going to say this show was bad, it was what it was. Hong Kong theatre is like a rollercoaster - you never know what the quality of a show is going to be like. I feel breathless as the lights go down not knowing what it is going to be like, and you can normally tell in the first five minutes. The last thing I saw was Yellow Face in the same venue and the difference was enormous. From word go I knew I was in for a quality experience. And a Hong Kong show ranks as one of the best things I have ever seen anywhere - Journey's End in 2008? 2009?. So Hong Kong does have what it takes so keep going but don't accept low standards. Ticket price not really an issue, 200, 230 - we're mostly not minimum wage. Cuedos to people who try but push yourselves.
04 November 2013Jaws
I disagree about " buying into the process." As an audience member and a performer myself, I don't buy nor do I expect any audience member to buy my or my fellow cast and crew members' process. Unfornately, the audience could careless about what you went through to make the show happen i.e.. how much wasmoney spent, the lack of sleep, the effects on the performers body.They just want to be entertained. I am sure it's discouraging to hear that some were not entertained. The audience buys the product while the cast and crew experiences the adventure of the process. I can only hope that the cast and crew enjoyed the process which I am sure they did. I am very aware of the sacrifices that everyone must make in ANY theatre production, but in the end ,rather the process is an enjoyable one or an unpleasent one, most audience members are ONLY interested in one thing, product.
04 November 2013Ari
I didn't like the script very much but I thought the show had some moments in it that were very well acted. I liked the Chinese girl best. I think the critic was very in her appraisal of the work. I did have some issues with seeing the scenes that were on the floor. Maybe they could have moved it away from the audience more? There's no need to be ugly and slam this show on the price. 230 with a glass of wine included is fair in my opinion.
04 November 2013Manta Ray
Shark, how exactly have you been duped? Did they promise you something that didn't happen? Did the ad say "Naked Women on Stage" or anything? Was it meant to be a Shakesperean play and instead you found yourself watching a different type of theatre? The show was marketed as "Bittersweet Comedy about breakups", which I think they pulled it off quite well. You got attracted to an ad, you got your show and your drink for 230, you didn't like the show, it happens. I am pretty sure everyone is ok with your opinion, but do you need to make all this fuss because you didn't like the show? I watched the show on Thursday, I laughed my ass off. Not everything is for everybody, and these people who put productions on with their own time, effort and money cannot always please everybody every time. If you really want to express your disappointment, then email the company directly, and tell them how you feel. But you won't, because at that point your identity will be revealed. It is very easy to spit poison behind a screen. At least have the decency to stop your pointless complaints.
04 November 2013Annabel Lam
Hi everyone, thank you very much for coming to the show. There were moments that I felt connected to you like you were a fd of mine listening to my story. Whether you liked the show or hated it, I hope you at least enjoy telling us how you feel here. It is an entertainment industry after all. " love is a choice " as it says in the script, I think it is better for us to let go of the person / things that don't make us happy. Sorry to know that it wasnt what you expected, we understand that as we are audiences too. Still glad that you came and hope that you would soon find the productions you like in the near future. Thanks again. x x
05 November 2013Brad Jacobs
Let's not pay attention to the trolls. They probably didn't even see the show.
05 November 2013LOL
Hahaha Brad Jacobs I was wondering when you'd chime in
08 November 2013Brad Jacobs
Yeah... Didn't see this one so didn't have anything to say until I saw some serious trolling behavior. I do work, you know.
12 November 2013LOLOLOL
"They probably didn't even see the show" And neither did you! Oh Brad you make me laugh, you're on every feed. WHO ARE YOU? Please stick around you're giving me such amusement
18 November 2013