Take a stab at "Lesbians Who Kill." Okay, maybe a poke. But whatever you do, as a viewer of this play you'll take a journey through what motivates women, particularly lesbians, to become killers. It's a creative approach to a little-discussed topic, but unfortunately the execution of this play, which consists of a combination of monologues, dialogues, musical numbers and not as easily identifiable movie moments, makes it confusing to someone not entrenched in the history of all-things-lesbian. But as scenes slip into one another—and live costume changes blend the performing duo's gender roles—audience members can't help but laugh at the overall playful attitude that this show so well embodies.
On the other hand, where intelligent commentary on the place of lesbians in a patriarchal culture dominates, unfortunately the less-than-smart lighting and static staging detract from the show. At times the variously colored pink and blue lights on stage turn on, but also shine onto the audience, thus removing any mysticism associated with the actors as actors on-stage. And then there's the stage itself: a single red-painted truck sits, never moving. The actors move around and on top of it, but that's not enough action to keep things moving forward. The characters in the play also strongly adhere to butch-femme gender roles, something that's not only old news in the lesbian community. In a time when gender fluidity is becoming more acceptable—and gender roles are hopefully becoming extinct—it's disappointing to see a play that thinks it's being progressive by at times having characters switch roles (i.e. the femme dresses up as the butch and vice-versa). But it's even more frustrating to see these roles implemented in the first place.
That said, it's important to reference historical norms and then move forward toward a time when such stringent ideas are deconstructed completely. But it looks like we're not there yet.
Reviewed by Centerstage!
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