This modern day beauty queen balances the horror and the hilarity, the awkwardness and the beauty of the human condition. Penelopa delves into our obsessive fascination with the contradictory ideas associated with having the perfect body. Inspired by Expressive Mask Shadow Puppetry, and Bouffon, Penelopa – grotesque, in form and manner yet deeply human and sympathetic – is underpinned by an innovative collage of pop culture, academic research, and traditional beauty perceptions spanning from the Victorian Era to the contemporary politics of sex, body and fame.

Penelopa by Genevieve Butler (International School of Theatre LASSAAD – Belgium) is on show as part of the Festival of Australian Student Theatre (FAST) 2015. Experience dozens of new performances and supporting events including the 24 Hour Play Project, Q&A’s, forums as well as a range of entertainment at FAST from Friday October 2 to Sunday October 4. The annual three-day performing arts festival, provides students and recent graduates with a valuable opportunity to test ideas, make new connections and showcase their work on a national platform. Check out the full program online.

Writer & Deviser Genevieve Butler
Producer Eloise Maree
Dramaturg Marinanna Joslin
Choreographer Sarah Scott
Stage Manager Carli Griffin
with Genevieve Butler & Stephen Sadler