Female sexuality and body image beautifully examined through dance
Reviewed at The Mill on 13 March 2019
Presented by Erin Fowler Project
Female sexuality and body image are serious topics in modern society but it is a profoundly personal issue. With this in mind, Erin Fowler’s latest theatrical dance work Femme is not only topical but deeply personal.
Fowler’s experiences in the fashion and modelling industry as a young woman is clearly a defining influence on this piece. Using various fashion and photo styles she is able to highlight how, regardless the targeted audience, the fashion industry is able to sexualise and warp body images as a method to sell identity. She explores how women lose control and are tugged between who they are and how they need to be seen.
While this show is a collection of Fowler’s past, she opens up to private stories from members of the public who describe how the conflict of body image has an influence on how they conduct themselves and how they are perceived by others. Both the men and women who contributed to this, show starkly how no one is immune to the difficulties of body image judgement and how it influences self esteem and identity.
The space itself is designed to replicate a catwalk and has a large tent at its base primarily used for Fowler’s many quick costume changes. The tent itself has its own importance as a place for women’s empowerment and mutual respect. It, among other things, resembles the long walk to independence and reclamation of body
Fowler’s work is considered reliably good with well-considered themes, exceptional skill and magnificent choreography. She delivers once again with another astounding show.
Reviewed by Simon Lancione
Venue: The Breakout at The Mill
Season: 16 March 2019
Duration: 45 mins
Tickets: FP $25, C $22, Bank SA $19.50
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