Let’s Talk About You

There’s an unusual structure in gay love story Let’s Talk About You, with two actors representing the one woman. Making for some complicated psychology, there’s Ernestine A (Elaine Hudson) and Ernestine B (Anne Tenney).

Dr Ernestine Brilliant is a cosmetic surgeon who is looking for change, unhappy with her private and professional life. She falls in love with a wonderful woman, Hope, an artist. However Ernestine is frightened of giving in to her feelings and leaving behind her marriage, which isn’t a good one, reluctant to give up the security of a more conservative life. In order to resolve the conflict arising in her new relationship, Ernestine A calls on Ernestine B to help sort out what they need to do to lead an authentic life.

“We’re trying to capture the contrary voices we all have, a person may say, ‘I’m feeling great’, but really they’re feeling terrible. Ernestine B is always contradicting Ernestine A, it’s like when you have a fight in your head. From an actor’s point of view it’s complicated having yourself embodied by two actresses. It’s true we have many competing voices in our head, especially during moments of crisis,” said Elaine Hudson.

This new Australian play presented by Pop Up Theatre in association with The Depot Theatre is a contemporary comedy with strong feminist themes. It’s also very Sydney, Hope (Taylor Owynns) lives in Newtown and Ernestine on the North Shore.

The witty text is supported by the wit of the choreography and physical movement, and in the original music composition.

Let’s Talk About You is very much for women in general – older women, artists and high powered women. It’s enormously entertaining.

In the words of Rivka Hartman, the play’s multi award-winning writer/producer/director: “They’ll laugh and laugh, it’s hilariously funny and also quite biting and pointed.” (MS)

Nov 16–26; Wed-Sat 8pm, Sun 5pm. The Depot Theatre, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville. $22-$32. Tickets & info: www.thedepottheatre.com

BY MEL SOMERVILLE