interview: maryann boettcher (low level panic)
As soon as something deals with ‘women’s issues’, it is slapped with the label of feminist. An unfortunate consequence of this is that much is then overlooked by both men and women who don’t identify with the typical idea of feminism, when really ‘women’s issues’ should be considered as ‘people’s issues’ (unless we all stop interacting with the other sex, that is).
Having readily been categorised as a feminist play since Clare McIntyre wrote it in the 1980s, Low Level Panic is a production that possibly hasn’t had the opportunity to draw the audience it is deserving of because of this very fact. In bringing this play to the Adelaide Fringe this year, its actors and director are trying to broaden its exposure.
Despite being injected with humour here and there, the disconcerting thing about Low Level Panic is its realism. Based mostly in a bathroom shared by Jo, Mary and Celia, the three actors depict the preening and often unfavourable self-evaluations that many, if not most, females experience in this very environment.
Lip chatted to Maryann Boettcher, who plays the character of Jo
What drew you to this play?
I was contacted about auditioning and I remembered that Clare McIntyre wrote brilliant parts for females. So I went and bought the script and was really attracted to the naturalism of the text as well as the themes which are so relevant to me as a woman and society as a whole. After being cast and rehearsing with the other actors, we’d arrive saying “we had a Jo moment today” or “I totally was Celia today when …” Even now when preparing for a show we have these moments. Because all the characters are real and easy to relate to.
Do you think it is a feminist play?
I don’t think that Low Level Panic is a feminist play, I think that is pigeon hole-ing it to much. I think some people read the bio, look at the program with the excerpt of Naomi Wolf’s text and decide it’s a feminist play. I think that is only a surface level. If you read deeper, it’s much more meaningful than that. To me it’s realism, a slice of life, these are three real women, living three real lives; interacting, reacting and feeling the way most women feel. There are a lot of comments that can be viewed as feminist, but there are also a lot of comments about society as a whole that aren’t just a woman’s point of view!
What do you hope audiences will get out of Low Level Panic?
We’ve done a few shows already, and couples have left debating, telling me days later they are still thinking and talking about the play and that is exactly what we want. There are some serious issues and they’re issues we deal with everyday; we’re giving them a voice for other people.
Whatdo you think speaks the loudest, to women in particular?
I think the character themselves speak the loudest to woman. We all know someone like Jo or Celia, have been through or know someone that has been assaulted like Mary. Having a brilliant script such a Low Level Panic brings these easily assessable characters to the audience, and each character has a scene or line that really vibrates with someone, be it guy or girl. I think that is why it’s wrong to call it a feminist play, I’ve had guy friends relate to Jo’s feelings just as much as girls have!!
What does feminism mean to you?
I think when a lot of people hear feminism they think burn the bra, strong women that want to put men down. But personally I think real feminism is about equality, having the right to choose to be an actor or a lawyer or a stay at home mum. For equal rights at home, at the work place and in society. I really resent people who think feminism is whinging females who want to compete with men, it’s not it’s women who are able to achieve what ever they want to!!
Do you consider yourself a feminist?
I haven’t really thought about whether I am a feminist or not, and this play and certainly some reviews have made me question this. All of the actors in the show have. We are unsure whether we are feminist or not, but we all believe in equality, equal rights, equal pay, equal respect and the chance/opportunity to do whatever we like without criticism, whether it be the choice to work, rather than have a family, to work and have a family or working for the family. If that makes us feminists then so be it.
Did this make you want to be involved in Low Level Panic?
Being a part of Low Level Panic has been a great experience. The cast and crew are amazing, I’ve made wonderful friends I won’t forget any time soon! Of course graduating Adelaide College of the Arts and being a part of a Fringe production is a great career move, but emotionally and spiritually this play has really helped me blossom. At the beginning of the play I’m naked in a bath of water, I have to get out, dry off and change offstage completely naked in front of other women. This was extremely nerve wracking at first but in the end it has actually liberated me! I purposely put on weight for this role, and until we opened I was feeling pretty down about it, but now I feel confident no matter what my size. I’m coming to terms with learning to love my body and face without airbrushing or the right light & make up. It also reminded me that even though I may not like being single all the time, pining after a fantasy isn’t going to make me truly happy either. On the other hand it’s also taught me that there’s nothing wrong with fantasising about anything, as long as it stays a fantasy. Sounds weird but honestly the production has taught me many things about myself and I’m still discovering new things each performance. I really hope a lot of women and men come to see Low Level Panic and walk away with something, whether it be debate over pornography’s effect on society, knowing they’re not alone or just are able to relate to a character, scene or moment within the play!
Low Level Panic is being performed at Arcade Lane as part of the Adelaide Fringe 2011 until March 11. Click here for more information and to buy tickets!
