This Porno Does Not Pass the Bechdel Test seeks to usurp expectations but might err more on the side of jarring rather than disruptive.
Jessie-Wren Jacobs’ This Porno Does Not Pass the Bechdel Test tells you from before you walk in that it will go to darker places than you might expect, journeying into the hidden side of the porn industry. Audiences are faced with questions you might never have considered before, balanced with an entertaining bite of humour that makes it palatable enough.
It follows characters debating the rights and wrongs in authentic dialogue that slowly unpacks complex figures who aren’t quite what they seem at the beginning of the play. Discovering their motivations as This Porno Does Not Pass the Bechdel Test goes on keeps you engaged and wanting more, building up a nuanced argument with clever ease.
The final reveal of some uncomfortable truths does come off quite jarring. This may be intentional but doesn’t quite hit the mark in some senses, with awkward laughter left hanging as people in the audience are unsure how they’re supposed to respond. That does go in line with the themes of the show but carries on a moment too long to allow people to take messages on board.
Nonetheless, it’s certainly a powerful message, if you can power through the awkwardness to process it. Jacobs’ performance is masterful and keeping your attention on her is an absolute joy. She holds the audience in the palm of her hand and has an incredible time doing so. The more fun she has, the more fun you have – but she also takes you with her on the darker, more difficult moments too with a grace rarely seen on stage.
This Porno Does Not Pass the Bechdel Test is a worthwhile watch that, even if it trips over the difficulty of its own message at times, delivers a powerful lesson that is sorely needed.
