Confronting audiences and provoking conversation about fatness, Crash Theatre Company heads to Melbourne Fringe this October with their original production of WHALE – a raw, hilarious and poignant show that is part comedy, part theatre, and a lot of storytelling.
WHALE tells the true story of Courtney – a fat and funny lesbian, documenting her journey from a boy crazy, hyperfeminine ‘pick me’ girl to a woman who quite frankly does not give a f*ck anymore about what people think of her weight.
It’s been a very long journey with failed diets, passive aggressive comments and crying in a Sportsgirl changeroom on multiple occasions – but she’s ended up alright. More than alright, actually.
WHALE explores the ‘Funny Girl’ – a persona that attempts to disguise weight with a blanket of humour and aims to make people forget that you’re overweight.
It is critical of diet culture that has trickled down generations, the entanglement of fatness and sexuality and the fact that Courtney gets told she reminds people of Rebel Wilson because they are “kind of similar.”
Courtney showcases how societal discourse around this subject matter is still prevalent in today’s youth, her wit and crass work to object to these narratives and spark conversations that benefit and support the pursuit for justice and respect fat people deserve.
Crash Theatre Co is a radical and future bound independent theatre company based in Boorloo (Perth, WA). Forged by two young women, the visionaries behind Crash are storytellers – each living a life with bumps in the road, with opportunities lost and won, determined to succeed and destined to make an impact.
Director & Producer: Ana Ferreira Manhoso | Writer & Performer: Courtney McManus | Sound Design: Bec Price
WHALE
Queen Victoria Women’s Centre – Millarri Murnmut, 210 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Season: 3 – 7 October 2023
Bookings: www.melbournefringe.com.au
For more information, visit: www.crashtheatre.com.au for details.
Image: Courtney McManus – photo by Declan Young