Love is a battlefield. This is a war story. It begins with a chance encounter at an airport in Naples. How it ends will make you question whether it's ever possible to truly know the people we love.
Girls & Boys, a gripping solo performance by Beatriz Romilly, directed by Eleanor Bishop, is a deeply unsettling exploration of gender, violence, and love. Performed on a minimalist set designed by Tracy Grant Lord, the production strips back all unnecessary elements, allowing Romilly to command the stage for an intense 110 minutes. Dressed simply in a white singlet and beige sweatpants, Romilly invites the audience into an intimate and confessional dialogue, charting the arc of a relationship that begins in passion and ends in devastating tragedy.
The play opens with humour and warmth as Romilly’s character recounts her whirlwind romance with a charismatic man she meets at an airport. He runs a successful business, while she lands a job as a development executive through sheer nerve. The chemistry between them is palpable, and together they build a life, raising two children, Leanne and Danny, in what seems to be a thriving household. Romilly’s playful and witty delivery creates a light-hearted atmosphere, drawing the audience in with ease.
But beneath the surface of this seemingly perfect life, cracks begin to show. About halfway through the play, a subtle shift occurs, hinting at the impending disaster. A single, startling line signals the unravelling of the narrative, and what begins as a comedy steadily transforms into something much darker. The play delves into the nature of violence, posing uncomfortable questions about whether it is ingrained in male behaviour. This theme is mirrored in the contrasting behaviours of the children—Danny, who gravitates toward destruction, and Leanne, who exhibits a more constructive, intellectual nature.
Romilly’s performance is masterful. She alternates between sharing memories of her flourishing production career and recounting the mundane yet demanding challenges of parenting. As she controls the narrative, there is an underlying tension, as if she is concealing something from both the audience and herself. This sense of control only intensifies when a shocking act of violence is revealed. The audience never witnesses the violence directly, but Romilly’s vivid description of the event is gut-wrenching, offering a brutally honest depiction of a love affair turned sour.
What makes Girls & Boys so compelling is its willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about masculinity and power. The play does not shy away from examining the darker aspects of male identity, particularly as they manifest in jealousy and violence. It also highlights the resilience of the human spirit, as Romilly’s character endures both personal and professional turmoil. This combination of vulnerability and strength gives the play its emotional depth.
The minimalistic set design, while initially slow in pace, enhances the introspective nature of the performance. With no props or visual distractions, the focus remains entirely on Romilly as she moves across the stage, connecting with all sides of the audience. Subtle lighting changes and carefully timed sound effects are the only cues that shift the tone and setting, reinforcing the isolation and disconnection at the heart of the story.
Romilly’s portrayal of anger is particularly striking. Unlike traditional depictions of female rage, her performance is raw and unfiltered, yet devoid of tears, which adds a layer of unsettling power. The absence of overt emotional release amplifies the play’s tension, making the audience feel the weight of her suppressed emotions.
Though the fast-paced dialogue and British accents may be challenging for non-native English speakers, Romilly’s sharp wit and tenacity ensure that the character's personality shines through. The humour, though often dark and laced with profanity, serves to temper the play’s more violent themes, providing moments of relief amidst the intensity.
Ultimately, Girls & Boys is a provocative and timely exploration of violence, love, and gender. The play refuses to let its audience remain passive, forcing them to confront difficult realities that resonate deeply in today’s world. It is a show that lingers long after the final line is spoken—dark, unflinching, and undeniably relevant.
Girls & Boys is being performed at the ASB Waterfront Theatre from 10 - 22 September, 2024
Purchase tickets here
Duration
1 hour and 50 minutes, no interval
Advisory
This production contains offensive language, graphic descriptions of family violence, murder and suicide, sexual references, and depiction of psychological distress. Not suitable for anyone under 18 years of age.
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