"Period Parrrty": A Turbulent Coming-of-Age Story for a Non-Binary Teenager
In the world of theatre, few coming-of-age stories capture the tumultuous teenage years as effectively as Period Parrrty, Gayathiri Kamalakanthan's debut play. At its core, it is a relatable tale of angst, self-discovery, and the quest for identity that transcends cultural boundaries.
The story centers around Krish, a 15-year-old non-binary teenager whose family is still struggling to come terms with their newfound identity. Using the traditional Tamil celebration of a girl's first period as a catalyst, Kamalakanthan weaves a narrative that delves into the complexities of family dynamics and cultural heritage.
While the play excels in its exploration of teenage turmoil, it stumbles upon uneven structure. The use of naturalistic scenes, monologues addressed directly to the audience, and recorded interviews for a school project feel disjointed, detracting from the cohesive vision that the playwright seems to aspire to.
However, the chemistry between Krish and their best friend Brenavee is undeniable, played by Elizabeth Green and Tanvi Virmani with palpable warmth. Their friendship serves as the emotional anchor of the production, imbuing the play with a sense of authenticity and intimacy. As Brenavee grapples with her own feelings for Krish, childlike jealousy bubbles over, adding a layer of poignancy to the narrative.
The set design by Katie Scott is a masterstroke, transforming from a toilet cubicle to Krish's room and eventually the scene of the period party in a breathtaking display of versatility. Under Gitika Buttoo's direction, the movement is fluid, conveying Krish's growing discomfort as they navigate their newfound identity.
What truly sets Period Parrrty apart is its humor, courtesy of Kamalakanthan's deft writing. The generational misunderstandings between Krish and their mother Brintha are laugh-out-loud funny, capturing the absurdity of cultural differences in a British Tamil home. When these conversations finally spill over into an open and honest discussion, it feels like a weight has been lifted.
Ultimately, Buttoo's production is a tender and delicate exploration of self-discovery, hitting its audience right in the emotional gut. If Period Parrrty can navigate some structural inconsistencies, it may just become one of the most powerful coming-of-age stories to emerge from British theatre in recent times.
In the world of theatre, few coming-of-age stories capture the tumultuous teenage years as effectively as Period Parrrty, Gayathiri Kamalakanthan's debut play. At its core, it is a relatable tale of angst, self-discovery, and the quest for identity that transcends cultural boundaries.
The story centers around Krish, a 15-year-old non-binary teenager whose family is still struggling to come terms with their newfound identity. Using the traditional Tamil celebration of a girl's first period as a catalyst, Kamalakanthan weaves a narrative that delves into the complexities of family dynamics and cultural heritage.
While the play excels in its exploration of teenage turmoil, it stumbles upon uneven structure. The use of naturalistic scenes, monologues addressed directly to the audience, and recorded interviews for a school project feel disjointed, detracting from the cohesive vision that the playwright seems to aspire to.
However, the chemistry between Krish and their best friend Brenavee is undeniable, played by Elizabeth Green and Tanvi Virmani with palpable warmth. Their friendship serves as the emotional anchor of the production, imbuing the play with a sense of authenticity and intimacy. As Brenavee grapples with her own feelings for Krish, childlike jealousy bubbles over, adding a layer of poignancy to the narrative.
The set design by Katie Scott is a masterstroke, transforming from a toilet cubicle to Krish's room and eventually the scene of the period party in a breathtaking display of versatility. Under Gitika Buttoo's direction, the movement is fluid, conveying Krish's growing discomfort as they navigate their newfound identity.
What truly sets Period Parrrty apart is its humor, courtesy of Kamalakanthan's deft writing. The generational misunderstandings between Krish and their mother Brintha are laugh-out-loud funny, capturing the absurdity of cultural differences in a British Tamil home. When these conversations finally spill over into an open and honest discussion, it feels like a weight has been lifted.
Ultimately, Buttoo's production is a tender and delicate exploration of self-discovery, hitting its audience right in the emotional gut. If Period Parrrty can navigate some structural inconsistencies, it may just become one of the most powerful coming-of-age stories to emerge from British theatre in recent times.
, especially for non-binary folks who are still figuring out their identity and navigating those crazy family dynamics 
. But, oh man, that set design? 
It's like Katie Scott is speaking my language 
! And I love how the production finds humor in these generational misunderstandings 
. What really resonates with me, though, is how it tackles self-discovery without shying away from the tough stuff 
. I mean, we need more stories like this on stage and screen that celebrate individuality and authenticity 
. Let's give Period Parrrty a standing ovation 
!
and omg the set design?!?! it's like, totally transformed into different spaces in a split second 
what i love most about period parrrty is that it's not just about krish's journey but also about the complexities of family and cultural heritage i think we need more stories like this in theatre 
. That set design tho? 
it's insane how Katie Scott transformed that toilet cubicle into Krish's room in a split second! And Gitika Buttoo's direction is just pure magic 
, capturing the emotional highs and lows of Krish's journey with such precision. What I love most about Period Parrrty though is its sense of humor - it's like Kamalakanthan knows that being a teenager can be pretty ridiculous 
I'm loving the authenticity of this play, no matter how imperfect it is 
I mean, who hasn't felt like they're stuck between two worlds and can't quite find their place? 
And yes, the chemistry between the leads is undeniable 
Can't wait to see more coming-of-age stories that tackle tough themes like this 
and elizabeth green & tanvi virmani are absolutely flawless 
. idk if the structure could be tightened up a bit tho, but overall i'm so here for this story 
like what's with the recorded interviews for a school project lol? wouldn't that be kinda awkward to watch? 
also the set design is amazing btw 