Since time immemorial, men have held the power imbalance in the music industry and even though that situation has improved, it remains far from even-handed.
GRRRL Power is a trip down memory lane, celebrating the female pioneers and rebels.
Combining audio, video, lighting and gaudy costuming with a “can do” attitude, the focus is on girl bands from the 1940s to the 1990s.
Devised by Chelsea Wilson, and written and directed by her and Fem Belling, the hour-long offering features them, Parvyn Singh and Francoise D’Argent.
Photos by Martin Philbey
A series of show reels take us back in time, decade by decade, interspersing the music of the day with significant life events.
Interwoven with the video is commentary and legendary songs – plus a few quirky numbers – performed by Wilson, Belling, Singh and D’Argent.
The T-shaped stage incorporates a catwalk, allowing these women to strut their stuff.
And, on occasion, they turn to instruments – a guitar, electric violin and mini keyboard – to supplement their sound.
While tunes from the US, UK and Australia predominate, Cuba, Japan and South Africa are also on the menu.
From The Andrew Sisters to The Supremes, Salt-N-Peppa to The Bangles, Destiny’s Child to the Spice Girls, the bangers predominate.
Every decade, and even within decades, the costume changes are plentiful, as are a positive vibe and good humour that this girl group brings to its tribute show.
The audience – not surprisingly, predominantly women (of all ages) – laps it up.
GRRRL Power is fun and sassy.
It is a shout out to what was and what is to come – a calling card to indicate that no matter the impediments, women can and do rise to the occasion.
Let me end by saying that empowerment, as represented in this feel-good production, looks and sounds mighty fine.
It is part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival.
For more on the Festival, which runs until 20th October, 2024, go to https://melbournefringe.com.au
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