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Under her skin

Miranda Harcourt’s play is a thoroughly enjoyable time – and while not completely devoid of cringe-worthy moment these are deftly dealt with a strong side of wit and humour. “Biography of My Skin” starts as a re-telling of Miranda’s life…

Miranda Harcourt’s Biography of My Skin

One woman plays conjure up images of angsty, pain-filled hours squirming on bare wooden seats. So, had I realised that “Biography of My Skin” was a one woman show there is absolutely no way I would have made an appearance.

But once again, my dismal failure to research landed me, literally, in the hot seat. Ten seconds into the play, pressed smack bang up against the stage, staring at a giant screen as Miranda Harcourt’s teeth mouthing the opening words “I always had bad skin…” I realised this was my worst nightmare. Oh no, I thought, crap, get me out of here – but before I could exit stage left Miranda (herself) appeared on stage and started mouthing off at her alter ego. And ten seconds later I was laughing so hard any thoughts I had of crawling my way out under the rows of (people-packed!) chairs had fled!

Miranda Harcourt’s play is a thoroughly enjoyable time – and while not completely devoid of cringe-worthy moment these are deftly dealt with a strong side of wit and humour. “Biography of My Skin” starts as a re-telling of Miranda’s life, chronicling the scars on her body and how they got there – but it quickly morphs into the love story of her marriage – a “how-we-met” and “how we have survived.”

A bare stage set with a giant screen provides appearances from other individuals in Miranda’s life – preventing this from becoming a one-sided narcissistic view. And, as the story evolves from chronology to love story, Miranda’s husband appears first on screen and then on stage – allowing you a wonderful insight into the dynamics of their love. Frustrated at times, complex, in need of counselling, the world of two very different people collide and it is their enduring love for each other that holds them together.

While you are invited to witness this (much scripted) relationship and life – it never once feels voyeuristic. Miranda and Stuart manage to share their love – that of a Death of God Theologian paired with a high strung drama queen – in a way that is inviting, witty, and never burdensome.

Thoroughly recommend this!

Miranda Harcourt’s Biography of My Skin, Christchurch, 22 October 2010 – 23 October 2010
James Hay Theatre, 86 Kilmore St, Christchurch

Athalia Bond, September 2010


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