Full of feminine rage, MO Theatre’s Pramkicker unleashes itself with humour and heart as it dissects just a few of the challenges of womanhood. Published in 2016 by award-winning playwright Sadie Hasler, it is the first play to kick off the Queensland Theatre DOOR 3 program, now in its second year.
Pramkicker is a work that offers a voice for the modern woman battling the burden of societal pressures. Is there a difference between ‘child-less’ and ‘child-free’ in a world where a woman’s value is still linked to motherhood? Whatever the label, MO Theatre cleverly confronts its audience’s introspection through an immersive anger management meeting.
Complete with community noticeboards and cordial, this is where we meet sisters Jude (Sarah Ann McLeod) and Susie (Sarah Ogden). Both are in attendance after the fiery Jude had a bit of an incident involving a ‘yummy mummy,’ ending with a kicked pram. (Don’t worry, it was empty.)
Sweet, people-pleasing Susie is attending to support her sister and likely protect others from further outbursts. As the story evolves, it examines a woman’s value, delving deeper into the root of Jude’s anger.
Between gin-fueled confessions and anger management meetings, the sisters navigate what it means to be a woman and sister while discussing the never-ending topic of motherhood. It becomes clear that perhaps this is just what Susie needs as she struggles to come to terms with her views on motherhood and her own circumstances.
McLeod and Ogden give phenomenal performances, both deeply embodying their characters physically and vocally. Their on-stage chemistry is completely convincing, with familial banter and a comfortable bond.
McLeod brings a natural and unapologetic fierceness to the foul-mouthed older sister Jude. She seamlessly slips between a hardened exterior and inner vulnerability. In doing so, she showcases the doubt and hurt that even the most self-assured woman carries. McLeod expertly roots Jude in truth, playing with the wonderful subtleties of her character’s light and shade.
As the idolising younger sister Susie, Ogden delivers a complex and thoughtful performance. She finds an authentic sincerity and strength in the softness of her character. Hitting just the right amount of caricature, her comedic characterisations keep the energy alive and bubbling as she expertly jumps between roles. The gut punch of Ogden’s monologue, as Susie’s secret and inner turmoil are revealed, is well-earned and delivered with empathy.
Co-directors Amy Ingram and Nerida Matthaei have done the Pramkicker script more than justice. Together they have created a layered and detailed production that so evidently understands the story it tells. Their vision is strong and utilises the intimacy of live theatre to blur the lines between the characters and the audience’s stories and experiences. The physical storytelling, beautifully choreographed by Matthaei, is powerful and blends seamlessly through the scenes.
Ada Lukin’s set and costumes boldly reclaim pink and red hues, showcasing the layered female experience as a reminder to reexamine your idea of ‘feminine.’ Christine Felmingham’s lighting design is a clever and creative use of storytelling. Playing an interactive role, the lighting does more than just aid the story. It prompts it along, forcing the characters to engage with and reveal themselves in the spotlight. This is aided by Brady Watkins sound design which uplifts the story thanks to a stellar playlist. (It is on Spotify for those who are keen to replay it!)
MO Theatre’s Pramkicker is independent theatre at its finest and an absolute highlight on Brisbane’s theatre calendar. It promises a night of true catharsis, reflecting the years of experience as artists and women which bleed through into the production. The careful handling of sensitive topics such as sexual abuse, abortion, and drug use demonstrates the team’s expertise in their craft.
Pramkicker is an important piece of commentary that simultaneously reminds women that everyone is still figuring it out. It makes us feel less alone as we ask the question of when it all will be enough. Furiously funny, Pramkicker is a must-see for anyone who’s ever known or loved a woman.
Pramkicker runs to 7 June at Queensland Theatre, 78 Montague Road South Brisbane Qld 4101.
Tickets available here!
Website: https://queenslandtheatre.com.au/plays/pramkicker
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/qld_theatre/ and https://www.instagram.com/mo_t.h.e.a.t.r.e/
Photo credits: Morgan Roberts
Tune in to the Pramkicker Spotify playlist here!
