A play that hails the feminine mystique
Suitable for ages 16+.
As society progresses and attitudes towards phenomena that were previously dismissed or stigmatised become more positive, audiences crave to see the representation of their life experiences. Stars: An Afrofuturist Space Odyssey is the glorious ninety-minute story of Mrs, a post-menopausal widow who searches through earth and space for her first orgasm. The play, set against an eclectic mix of house and techno tracks, explores the clitoris in a multitude of contexts – sexual pleasure, female queerness, intersex bodies, and female genital mutilation. The tiny little organ carries a world of power, and it deserves to be celebrated!
Everything about Stars is perfect, from the genius writing to the careful direction, the captivating production design to the dynamic music. And, of course, the performances of leading lady Debra Michaels and supporting performer Bradley Charles. Though we tend to feel relieved when the time flies as we are watching something, I strongly believe that the best stories are the ones that FEEL long, but end up being fairly short. This is a testament to the articulatory talents of writer Mojisola Adebayo – in just an hour and a half, we are given a plethora of knowledge and entertainment. Stars is essential viewing. It is a feminist movement, celebrating the pleasure we all fight to feel.
Debra Michaels, playing Mrs (and the women/girls she encounters in her quest for an orgasm), commands the stage with immense power. She manipulates her voice in such a way that we really feel the emotions of all the characters, and are roused into action. The Brixton House Theatre audience was legendary – spellbound by Michaels’ performance, we gasped and shifted in horror in our seats when the play discussed female genital mutilation, and we clicked our fingers and cheered when we were told the tales of sexual liberty and pride. Amazed by the visuals on stage, we listened intently as Michaels told us about intersex bodies in African folklore and mythology. She is a wonderful performer, knowing damn well that her performance is a fight for freedom and love, and milking every second on that stage.
Bradley Charles plays DJ Michael Manners, providing the play’s musical score. Although Charles largely remains in a booth next to the stage, announcing the next tracks in his mix, his presence in this play is incredibly needed and entertaining as all hell. The mix features awesome tracks by black artists, such as by Sun Ra and Jamila Woods. African culture is Stars’ foundation. It is the beautiful ground that the cast and crew walk on. As Mrs explores her black, lesbian, female identity, we too are treated to the stories of entrapment, love, parenthood, and freedom that have shaped her.
Stars: An Afrofuturist Space Odyssey is, without a doubt, one of the best things I have ever watched. The play was brilliant, the audience was on fire, and the Brixton House Theatre is a sanctuary. I would absolutely come and watch this show again, it meant the world to me.