Nudity. Genitals. Meat. Activism. Are all words that sum up High Steaks, this one woman show about her vagina. A gritty, powerful and extremely brave journey of self-acceptance and being an advocate for yourself.
The creator and performer of this show, Eloina Haines takes you through a one hour show of what should be described more as performance art than theatre. It is an exploration of the subject of the female Labia and just how difficult this bodily piece can be to so many individuals.
Arriving in the fittingly named ‘Anatomy Lecture Hall’ in Summerhall at The Edinburgh Fringe. Haines comes in naked with an accordion and a totally ordinary expression. Tee’hee’s in the auditorium – it is clear we are all trying keep a straight face. Suddenly the tone heads south. Haines sits on the ‘operating table’ with a bush of parsley as her pubic hair and an array of voiceovers of the many people whose lives have been devastated by the negative experiences of their labia.
Facts about the effects of testosterone on labia’s, that the highest reason for labia surgery is 37% due to cosmetic reasons, that pornographic actors usually have their labia digitally or surgically removed, that shame is an understatement to so many people. It is clear how much of a negative impact this one thing can have on a someone’s self-image.
Meanwhile, Haines goes onto cut her parsley and steak on a chopping board. Visceral gut reactions and nauseous yelps; there is no doubt Haines work is grabbing at the claws of theatre of cruelty.
This absurdist piece is then obstructed by her actual mother in the audience. Who honourably joins her daughter’s disclosure and spreads her own personal feelings. She sobs as she watches her daughters candour, she hugs her halfway through cutting her steak, she helps her move the set around. This is another profoundly authentic addition; genetics impact and just how delicate and affecting our relationships with our mothers are.
A love sonnet to female genitals, a recital to female empowerment, a bulletin of fleshly hope to anyone that is prepared to listen. From howls, to disgust to laments; this woman’s journey of self-acceptance tugged at every bodily catharsis it could bind itself to.
