The Others

Innovative and a fresh approach to theatre, the ‘Paper Birds’ theatre company try in this piece, ‘The Others’ show differing perspectives of what it means to be a woman in today’s society, The first character we are introduced to is an Iranian housewife played by Shani Erez, where the other two actresses Kylie Walsh and Jemma McDonnell make many common stereotypes that western people may have of an Iranian wife. Highly stylised and physical, this scene shows Erez reacting to punches her fictitious husband throws at her, and ducking for cover from impending bombs before rejecting these ridiculous notions and challenging the other two actresses, and the audiences’ prejudices.
Next we see life through the lens of a female prison inmate who we later find out was convicted of murdering her husband. We see the bleak reality of domestic violence and the emotional distress it has upon this vulnerable woman, turning her from a normal woman to a woman serving a life sentence for murder.
In complete juxtaposition we are then introduced to Heather Mills, famous divorcee of Beatle George McCartney, and through a clever and entertaining use of media in which former GMTV hostess Fiona Phillips interviews Heather Mills, the words are dubbed which is entertaining and humorous but maintains poignancy.
Questioning their own ability to relate to women from different backgrounds and circumstances as well as ours- the audiences, the concept that ‘Paper Birds’ attempt is bold and novel. Although much to the dismay of my peers I struggle to see the appeal that others have within the piece as parts felt forced and under rehearsed but still an enjoyable evening nonetheless.