A fat-focused present — impressed by and written after a collection of interviews carried out between fats playwright Katie Hileman and a group of self-identified fats individuals — is operating on the Voxel in Baltimore, MD, from January 25- February 10. In case you grew up in a physique of dimension, there are such a lot of elements of this present that can resonate with you!
About “I Will Eat You Alive”
The present is about at a dinner desk, and 11 viewers members are invited to “dine” with the actors on the feast. The feast is thrown by Fats Lady #1, performed by Vicky Graham, “celebrating” their resolution to drop a few pounds. The viewers is met with some actually sincere moments like praying to god to make our our bodies seem like everybody else’s, sexual assault whereas being in a fats physique and discussing consuming issues.
With every dinner course, the trio of fats actors confronts weight-reduction plan tradition, fatphobia, and society’s expectations. The programs vary from chocolate powder to vegetable broth to actually nothing, an empty platter, for dessert. The principle course is one thing we’ve all heard a lot about lately- Ozempic.
Ozempic has been popularized all around the web, by celebrities and on a regular basis individuals alike. Docs have even been recommending it for overweight children. Ozempic is a drug to deal with diabetes however is getting used off-label for weight reduction. Many insurance coverage firms don’t cowl Ozempic’s use for weight reduction, which suggests persons are paying doubtlessly lots of of {dollars} a month out of pocket for this drug. It has severe side effects for individuals who use it within the brief time period, however as a result of fatness remains to be seen as a “well being and ethical failure,” the drug has change into extremely fashionable.
There was a really poignant second the place feedback from web “well being concern trolls” have been projected onto the stark white eating desk. There’s something in regards to the solid verbalizing these feedback (sometimes solely seen on a pc or cellphone display screen) and seeing them flash throughout the desk that makes you actually take into consideration how ill-informed and deliberately hurtful all these feedback actually are.
My Favourite Moments From the Present
In case you plan to see the present and hate spoilers, skip this half! A few of my favourite moments embrace:
Marriage ceremony Vows to Salad
We’ve all been advised to “eat extra salad” as a result of, in fact, one meal of greens is simply going to remodel our our bodies in a single day! *insert eyeball roll right here*
The vows, learn by Betse Lyons, Fats Lady #2, have been adopted by throwing the lettuce into the air across the dinner desk, just like rose petals at a marriage. It was comedic however felt so laborious on a deep stage by the viewers
Jenny Craig Makes an Look
As a result of how are you going to have a present about fats trauma with out together with good ‘ol Jenny Craig?! Fats Lady #3, performed by Meghan Taylor, had some epic Jenny monologues emphasised by a stole crocheted with totally different shade measuring tapes. That was such an ideal contact to the costumes.
“I Will Eat You Alive” Closes February 10, 2024
Because the present progresses, the viewers witnesses the journey towards fats liberation, self-acceptance, not placing limits on your self, and finally – freedom. This features a scene with an enormous cake and many moaning.
After every character is on board with releasing themselves from the clutches of weight-reduction plan tradition, they symbolically free themselves by taking off their outer clothes and revealing brightly coloured underwear. The top of the present is supposed to be a celebration. A celebration of our bodies, a celebration of self, a celebration of liberation.
This present runs by means of February 10th on the Voxel in Baltimore, MD. I extremely advocate attending one of many final showings!
