19-year-old June counts calories in the lead-up to her big meet – but that’s just being health conscious… right? Her 21-year-old sister, Anna, spends her nights clubbing and swears she’s not a victim when the worst happens. Both sisters keep their shame hidden. But when their mother Dawn announces she is moving in with her boyfriend and Anna and June must move out, they come to know each other in a way they couldn’t have imagined.

Writer Miranda Michalowski and Director Jo Bradley have crafted a story that finds beauty and solace in moments among the mess, rather than waiting and wishing for the perfect, happy ending. It’s unique and refreshing to see a story portrayed this way as it seems more reflective of mental health struggles and how they can occur or pervade an otherwise full life. I also appreciate that these women aren’t ‘perfect victims’ but whole, flawed humans, and that this doesn’t reduce their worth or the culpability of those who wrong them.

Sisters June and Anna, played by Lulu Quirk and Samantha Lush respectively, are grounded and genuine in their portrayal as very different people tied together by lived experience; we see them arguing over trivialities one moment and supporting each other through considerable trauma and uncertainty the next. Quirk plays the role of a women struggling with an eating disorder with so much empathy and respect, and Lush really explores the layers and conflicting emotions of the rebellious sister in need of affection and acceptance when the worst happens. Their mother Dawn’s storyline, played by Erica Nelson, is a little patchy and underdeveloped in comparison but performed beautifully, capturing the complicated relationships that develop between parents and their grown-up children.

Filled with piles of moving boxes, the stage feels full without stifled and is adaptable without being minimalist. Costuming is quite clever as well, only needing to change a little to show the passing of time but consistent enough not to be a distraction.

Sound design starts and ends the show on an upbeat note and transports us convincingly to a club or swim meet. It’s presence in scenes is deliberate and well-thought out, its absence poignant and deafening. It was no surprise that sound designer Daniel Harten has also worked with Sydney Theatre Co and Griffin Theatre Co, both known for their effective use of sound in their productions, and his skills are really on display here.

Young Bodies/Somebody’s is a confronting, introspective and uplifting story produced with authenticity and respect for those experiencing the difficulties explored in the plot, and I would absolutely see it again.

Purchase tickets from Flight Path Theatre here.

Wine Pairing | Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is a grape varietal that produces full-bodied reds with lots of flavour and character. It’s also one of those wines you drink more of in Winter, snuggled up under a blanket while the rain or snow comes down outside. The characters of Young Bodies/Somebody’s are strong, capable and caring, and in their times of need I just really wanted to give them a hug! So, this is my version.

Tasting Notes

Aussie Season	21-28 May 2022, Flight Path Theatre, Marrickville, Sydney
Ticket $	$25-30
Writer	Miranda Michalowski
Director	Jo Bradley
Theatre Type & Genre	Play
See it if you like	confronting difficult issues, young adult/coming of age stories
Other Info
Wine Pairing	Cabernet Sauvignon
Criteria for Wine Pairing	Full-bodied, lots of red and black fruit flavours, not too much spice