Lady MacBreast review

It's hard to believe that Po Po Mo Co (Post Post Modern Comedy) is almost ten years old. This queer collective of theatre makers has been making work as a group, and as individuals, that frames the world via a lens that is wild, absurd and stupid. Its new production of Lady MacBreast - no guesses as to what this is about - indicates there's no signs of them slowing down, and is a perfect reminder of the intelligence and creativity they possess.

Performed and devised by Kimberley Twiner, Lily Fish, Hallie Goodman and Phoebe Mason, Lady MacBreast does not shy away from going too far. While the narrative keeps true to that of Macbeth, the way scenes and characters are presented bring constant laughter and gasps of shock and surprise from the audience. The opening scene of the three witches meeting, with their ridiculously unkempt hair and not much else in terms of clothing, begins our queer and subversive journey of what John Waters' work would look like if he'd been around in Shakespeare's time.

Words are vital in Shakespeare, but with Po Po Mo Co, the physical and the clowning is where the focus lies. Each of the four performers display immense skill in physicality and comedy, as they take on numerous roles throughout the show. Fish is majestic as the bumbling King Duncan and Goodman easily captures everyone's attention as the breastacular Lady MacBreast.

There is an extreme level of inanity, irrationality and absurdity with how the story unfolds that would probably have Shakespeare not simply be turning in his grave but have his head spinning 360 with what has become of his work. Macbeth receives his prophecy from the anus of the three witches and the social standing of women is made immensely clear with Lady MacBreast's appearance. And that's what I love about Po Po Mo Co, yes, it's ridiculous but it's also political in a clever way that challenges you through its entertainment.

Contemporary references are brought in, including musical moments with songs from Shakira and Lady Gaga. I won't mention the band or song so as to not ruin the reveal, (and so you don't get the most annoying ear-worm) but the use of one particular track as a touching soliloquy is bizarrely effective in showing some remorse over what has taken place - while still laughing.

Po Po Mo Co is a company that never settles. It constantly looks to grow and discover imaginative ways to reflect society back on us through its queer clowning perspective. It's safe to say that Lady MacBreast will be one of my favourite shows of the year, or perhaps I too have eaten on the insane root?

SHOW DETAILS

Venue: La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond St, Carlton
Season: until 10 November | Wed 6.30pm, Thurs - Sat 7:30pm, Sun 4:00pm
Duration: 90 mins
Tickets: $35 Full | $25 Conc
Bookings: La Mama Theatre

Image credit: Darren Gill