Presented by Freefall Productions
Reviewed: 15 September 2022
What is the Matter with Mary Jane? was first produced by the Sydney Theatre Company and New Stages at the Wharf 2, March 2 1995, and was written by Wendy Harmer about events based on Sancia Robinson’s story of her battle with an eating disorder. Robinson performed in the original production and many subsequent productions around the world to critical acclaim, and Harmer’s wit combined with Robinson’s challenging and often funny story are timeless.
When the work has been developed by two outstanding talents it is often a challenge to bring the work to life with a new actor and a new voice. This new production with Stefanie Rossi, directed by Tony Knight, breathes new and exciting life into this really important piece of theatre.
Rossi’s performance is full of wit, humour and a great deal of simple, clear truth. She shines from the moment she bounds onto the stage reciting the opening lines of A.A. Milne’s poem Rice Puddin’, and the words set the tone for the exploration of what was Sancia Robinson’s very private battle with Anorexia Nervosa. It’s a non-stop roller coaster ride that sees the many different sides of a person’s battle with mental health that lead to the insidious development of an eating disorder. The world of a teenager who is obsessed with perfection, influenced by magazines, dietary programmes, peer pressure – all in the pursuit of perfection. We are given insight into the dangerous workings of a mind in turmoil seeking perfection, from the point of view of Rossi’s teenage self, to a model obsessed with her appearance, a TV host selling the outcome of binge eating, school friends who unknowingly feed the character’s need to seek perfection. It’s a reminder that we must always act on our intuitive analysis of changes of behaviour in those we love, and offer them the opportunity to tell us they need help. Eating disorders are a mental health issue and, at last, we are beginning to take these things seriously as we encourage people both young and old to talk about their challenges and to try to remain strong enough to seek help – or even admit they need it.
This is a very important play and its subject matter is both confronting and edifying. It reminded me of the challenge of being a performer in a world where the pursuit of perfection can become dangerous and obsessive.
The simple set, subtle lighting and sound (thank you Stephen Dean) and a commitment to truth make this a must-see night in the theatre.
Rossi’s voice is clear and truthful about how important it is for us all to listen, and the clever and honest storytelling that Tony Knight has coaxed out of Rossi lets us see how important an issue mental health is and how much we need to be aware of the needs of those around us. A good director and a fine actor made an hour of work that is challenging, funny, truthful and relevant.
The show comes with a warning that the material is challenging and could be triggering, and if you are challenged you are to feel free to leave the theatre at any time. It is also proudly supporting the Butterfly Foundation, the national charity dedicated to supporting Australians impacted by eating disorders. Even if you can’t get to see the show (and you should make every effort to get there) you can support the foundation by contacting them on https://butterfly.org.au/who-we-are/contact-us/, or if you recognise someone in need the Butterfly National Helpline is open 8am – midnight AEST seven days a week.
An excellent reminder that if we speak the truth it will always make a difference.
Reviewed by: Adrian Barnes
Venue: Holden Street Theatres – The Studio
Season: September 14 – 24
Duration: 1 hour (no interval)
Tickets: Adult $38.00, Concession $33.00, Student $30.00, Group 6+ $35.00
Bookings: https://sales.securetix.net.au/event.php?feed_id=MDAwMDUwMDAwMDAwMzIzMg%3D%3D&event_id=677
