Review: Les Demimondes (SummerWorks)

(photo credit: David Hawe)

In Praise of Pros
by Beat Rice


Les Demimondes is a hilarious multidisciplinary show that explores both sides of prostitution in a non-political, but over-exaggerated way. The show stars, Cat Nimmo, Andrya Duff, and Jesse Dell , who play multiple characters and roles, and Alexandra Tigchelaar (also a creator of the piece) who is the personification of prostitution herself. The show is an eclectic mix of strong solo performance, narrative choreography, song, and video (which actually serves a purpose in the show and isn’t just used for special effects!). Tigchelaar is an incredible performer. She is sharp, acerbic, witty, compassionate, and nostalgic. She gives and gives with every scene, and in one poignant moment, removes her makeup and speaks to us through a mirror, subdued, and real. Director Stephen Lawson has created a good balance of heightened scenes and quieter scenes, which allow the audience a moment to reflect on everything that has been discussed, and how it relates to the current action on stage.

The show explores how culture has profited off of prostitution, but in contrast, has also demeaned it. As one of the characters in the show tells us, to be a prostitute is legal, but to work as one is against the law. Society has not acknowledged that many women choose to work in the sex trade and that all women have the right to do what they want with their bodies. There are so many wonderful moments where a woman’s ability to make money from her body is embraced, not seen as a negative, last-resort choice - as society often jumps to thinking - but as a valid trade. I walked away with more respect for women who choose to work as an escort or prostitute, and with new ideas of how I feel about my own body. I would recommend this show to anyone, no matter what his or her social-political-cultural views are on prostitution. I did a whole lot of learning, and a whole lot of laughing. 

Les Demimondes is at SummerWorks