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PRAMKICKER is a sharp, witty and ultimately empowering insight into the plight of the modern woman. Sadie Hasler’s play is unflinching in its open address of motherhood, feminine rage, and what it means to choose what you truly want and figure out who you are as an adult. And it leaves no stone unturned in discussions of a woman’s worth and reproductive rights – underpinned through refreshingly dry humour.
The play follows Jude, a child-free woman who has always known she doesn’t want kids (she is self-admittedly ‘the Edith f*cking Piaf of the empty womb’), and her younger sister, Susie. One day, Jude loses her cool towards ‘yummy mummies’ in a cafe and kicks a pram. After being arrested, she is sent to anger management. Susie tags along, causing the pair to share a wealth of secrets, centred around societal expectations surrounding motherhood.
MO Theatre’s femme creative team reflects heavily in the delivery and portrayal of PRAMKICKER. Sarah Ann McLeod (Jude) and Sarah Ogden (Susie) are a breath of fresh air, keeping the tonality light throughout darker subject matter and tough conversations. McLeod’s portrayal of Jude is a true masterclass in acting—despite the frequent reference to the audience, she captivates viewers so completely that they feel as though they’re witnessing her real life unfold.
The artistic decisions behind set design aided the story tremendously, allowing for fun physical movement (shoutout to Amyl and the Sniffers). Perhaps the most visually gripping moment is during Suzie’s grapple with an unexpected pregnancy. Her pivotal decision is symbolised through her ripping down of the large image of a baby, and cradling the sheet as if it were a newborn of her own.
The play remains relevant as ever and is a must-watch for those who raise a middle finger to feminine societal expectations. PRAMKICKER is at the Diane Cilento Studio at Queensland Theatre until the 7th of June.
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