Tamil ‘short-eats’ being used as a comical prop. A queer reading of a beloved Tamil noughties classic. A mother and her child preparing one another’s hair with coconut oil. There are many small moments in ‘Period Parrrty’ that make it shine.
‘Period Parrrty’ is a three person play about Krish (played by Elizabeth Green) a teenager who dreads their upcoming samathiya-veedu, navigating the minefields of puberty and sexuality. By their side is their best friend and confidante Brenavee (Tanvi Virmani) who ardently supports them through their journey. Krish’s mother Brintha (Rani Moorthy) is caught in a tide of excitement for the upcoming ceremony, busy with ensuring the ceremony runs smoothly.
A predominant theme of ‘Period Parrrty’ is communication. All three characters have strong bonds to one another, but often find they lack the words to tell each other how they feel. A scene towards the tail end of the play where Brintha finally opens up to Krishna about her past is extremely touching, made more powerful by the weight of everything they have been through individually but avoided sharing. At this moment, all the complications and problems that have slowly been uncovered and accumulated suspend, replaced with a great tenderness.
The central trio perform their roles well. Elizabeth Green’s Krish is riddled with teenage angst, doubt and frustration at their circumstances. Tanvi Virmani’s Brenavee is a great foil and supporting character, providing the play with ample levity, light-heartedness and humour - constantly allaying her best friend’s anxieties. Rani Moorthy’s Brintha is the doting mother who always has her child’s future in mind and acts in the way she thinks is best for them. Each of them are given enough material to exhibit their craft.
Writer Gayathiri Kamalakanthan’s script is sharp, funny and touches upon grand issues deftly. Big moments are handled with care and grace. Director Gitika Buttoo amps up Kamalakanthan’s words with bold and loud choices - the fourth wall is often broken with an accompanying lighting shift and sound effect. Katie Scott’s set design worked like a Swiss Army Knife: intelligently constructed, minimal yet easily changing and adapting to the needs of the play.
‘Period Parrrty’ is a project filled with love: it is evident in every aspect of its creation and presentation. Concomitantly soft and serious, funny and urgent, irreverent and sincere, ‘Period Parrrty’ - much like its main character - refuses to fit into a mold.
Period Parrrty will be playing at Soho Theatre from October 23rd to November 22nd.
Photographs by Michael Boffey.
Trailer for Period Parrrty below.