Reviewed by Kathleen Kirby
A full house braved the freezing cold weather Friday evening to attend the world premiere performance of Nandita Shenoy’s marvelously comical The Future is Female at Flint Repertory Theatre.
Shenoy not only wrote the play, she was one of the four leading characters that brought this fun and satirical story to life in the cozy confines of the Elgood Theatre. Women and their concerns about their rights, especially around birth control, make up the heart of the script.
Set in a female retreat center apparently aimed at women’s rights relative to reproductive freedom, we will follow four gals with varied attitudes and points of view as they strive to achieve personal independence.
Lois (Hallie Bee Bard) is the leader of the group. She greets each of the gals who will room together for the week that they will attend the sessions. She is devoted to the unseen male leader of the retreat center and speaks of him often. Her demeanor is grandiose as she often swoops in to check on the ladies under her guidance.
Aditi (Nandita Shenoy) is a bit of a skeptical observer. She seems aloof and yet relates to the others with a cordial attitude. As she develops an understanding of the focus of the center, she will change a bit.
Toni (Siho Ellsmore) doesn’t seem happy to be there. Most of what is asked of her is answered with a strong “No!” Although sent by her job possibly to improve her attitude, Ellsmore does a great job of bringing this character from a one-liner to a woman with downright congeniality.
Finally, Maria (Clara Tristan) is a kindergarten teacher who seems ecstatic to have joined this group! She is thrilled, bubbly and anxious to get to be part of the group. She soon changes her mind however when it becomes apparent that childbirth is the endgame.
Director Kathryn Walsh does a great job with this group as they manage their various points of view and work to understand the purpose of their week’s retreat. The comedy inherent in this script is well handled and each character brings their own amusing reaction to the “path to freedom” being imposed upon them.
There is a lot of food for thought here as the gals try to understand the purpose behind their stay in the retreat center. (Drinking “mother’s milk” everyday should have been a clue!) Ultimately, the liberal voting army they may be expected to produce will bring the show to its just conclusion!
This one is well worth the hour and a half it will entertain you so don’t miss it!
The Future is Female continues through February 19, 2023 at Flint Repertory Theatre. For tickets contact the box office at 810.237.7333 or online at http://www.tickets.thefim.com
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