The Catalogue of Sexual Anxieties
Venue 8 Kicki Point Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre
4 Stars
If you’ve ever wondered how women deal with their sexuality, check out The Catalogue of Sexual Anxieties.
A trio of strikingly sexy vocalists, Marion Poli, Aniqa Charani and Charlotte Szabo, reveal the hidden, unspoken secrets of femininity stretching from childhood to adulthood. Distilling true stories, historical facts and hidden secrets wrapped up in lush harmonies, their 90-minute revue drops more than a few truth bombs and a lot of laughter.
The trio’s storytelling is direct, no-nonsense and delightfully irreverent. Each performer takes turns pulling snippets from her life, often followed by snappy comments from the other two. No subject is taboo, from sexual awakenings, performative sex, seduction and masturbation to body image, birth control, the biological clock and cultural choices.
All the blush-worthy moments are interspersed with siren-like harmonies from their seamlessly balanced voices. Director Kate Ryan, a much-in demand artist who specializes in creating musical productions, has devised clever blocking and sophisticated moves throughout the various sketches, and it's here the vocalists playfully tease the audience similar to a Parisian revue.
The 1940’s jazz songs deliver a European flair that is both light and sensuous. All in all, an informative and funny show to share with a friend.
– Anna Borowiecki
