Review: THE NAKED TRUTH Gives You Heart and Body at Blood Moon Theatre

The Naked Truth highlights one of the key components missing from contemporary theatre in Sydney: politic. In a field driven by the support of "emerging talent" and high production values, it was refreshing to see a show that was all heart. The all-female co-founders of Act IV Theatre have made their intention clear of putting women on stage with their former sold-out season of Five Women Wearing the Same Dress. Written by Dave Simpson, The Naked Truth follows a group of Northern-English women who meet at a beginner's pole dancing class and bond over body confidence, relationships, sickness and sisterhood. With such an array of stories in the narrative, most audiences will find a way to relate to this production and maybe even learn something about the resilience required to face the pressures of society on women.

The Naked Truth is incredibly earnest in its delivery, opting toward humour and emotion over technique and polish, making for an incredibly entertained audience at the humble Blood Moon Theatre and supported by the National Breast Cancer Foundation, to which $2 of every ticket is donated.

On stage, a very promising triad of stripper poles to set the scene where we meet the camp and cavalier characters. The body confident Bev, a perfect fit for Melinda Ryan who drove every moment home, is finding her way toward a loving relationship. Trisha, enthusiastically played by Hayley Flowers, is finding her way toward a more loving relationship with herself. Faith is the blossoming virgin given every ounce of silly sweetness by Kaitlin DeLacy, while the crass Rita seeks an escape from her abusive home, played by Wendy Winkler. Rounding out the group is the older Sarah, who is revealed to be handling a relapse of breast cancer, Jeannie Gee giving the highlight performance of the piece as a complete natural. Shaping and narrating the action is their unconventional pole teacher Gabby. Together they attempt to raise funds in a pole performance for breast cancer research, and discover a lot about each other and themselves along the way.

More theatre like this, that tackles issues and emphasises the perspective of women, is needed and congratulations are due to Act IV Theatre for beginning unapologetic and unbridled efforts to do so.

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