Where Have All Our Women Gone? – Lion & Unicorn Theatre, Kentish Town

Reviewer: Christine Stanton

Writer / Director: Elizabeth Huskisson

“Intensely Engaging”

4 / 5

Every woman has a story. A moment they felt unsafe a night, a feeling of unease during an interaction, a time they felt helpless – but what is being done by those in power? Why are women still under threat in so many scenarios? When will things change? Where have all our women gone?

Elizabeth Huskisson writes, directs and performs in this one-woman fight for justice and visibility. Strewn across the stage are ripped newspapers, the same media sources that consistently report on violence against women and open the dialogue to ignorant opinions and victim shaming in their comment sections. The messy stage is reflective of the sadly vast quantities of stories that Huskisson has her choice of, while also being a powerful comment on how easy and quick everyone moves on and forgets. Throughout the performance Huskisson chants various names, forcing the audience to remember and ensuring their experiences of senseless violence aren’t brushed away as yesterday’s news once again.

The show is an uncomfortable watch, but a necessary comment on today’s society. Huskisson is a fantastic performer, who transitions into multiple personas throughout the show, from newsreaders reporting on a story, a woman recounting a harrowing experience, or a charming TV sales presenter. She captures the mood and emotion of each character she becomes, forcing the atmosphere to constantly shift from serious to humorous, further adding to the uncomfortable feeling, but ensuring the audience are intensely engaged throughout. Fast-paced and ferocious she ensures that each angle is covered and no stone is left unturned.

Being mindful of the heavy subject matter, the serious scenes are juxtaposed with surprisingly unexpected, yet welcome flashes of parody, lightening the piece before the audience are thrown back into flux with more statistics and news stories. Witty commercials are created by Huskisson that satirise the many comments women get to take ownership to ensure change – cover up, don’t leave the house late at night, be more alert, sadly the list goes on. Utilising readers comments on online news articles is another way the production sprinkles in some light humour to relieve an otherwise serious piece, yet still ensuring to drive the message home.

Well-known cases such as Sarah Everard’s murder at the hands of disgraced policeman Wayne Couzen’s are interspersed with fictional incidents and lesser-known true stories. The choice to incorporate this variety is a powerful one, highlighting how many have suffered and will suffer if things continue as they are. This is a well-written, political commentary that should make people sit up, take notice and take a stand.

Runs until 27 May 2023