As SHE Likes It
Written by Katie Light
Taking place in Coventry this Saturday
The play, As SHE Likes It, is coming to the Belgrade Theatre this weekend.
It’s debut in Coventry comes nearly 100 years after the inspiration for the play, Patricia Douglas, was assaulted.
Writer Chloe Wade was inspired by the documentary Girl 27 (2007), and was unsurprised how many people didn’t know Patricia’s story or name. “I’m determined to make people know who she is,” She added.
Krupa Pattani, who plays Damsel in Distress in the play, said that she loves playing the role, and what it means for her and women everywhere. “It’s so important to know that other women support you, and that they’re ready to slay the dragon with you.”
Patricia Douglas was a dancer and movie extra in 1937, who was invited to a studio party, where she was then raped by MGM salesman, David Ross.
“As SHE Likes It was a little play on Shakespeare, in a hope to try and get some traditional theatre goers, and completely pull the rug from under them.” Chloe explained.
“The only reason Damsel plays Damsel in Distress is because that’s the only character available to her,” Krupa added.
She was also the subject of documentary Girl 27 (2007), detailing her Patricia’s rape, and the assult of 100 other underage girls.
As SHE Likes It exposes the cultural legacy of sexism and expoloitation that has been prevelent in the media industry for decades.
Krupa added that she feels the play has opened up her own eyes: “I must have normalised sexism, and I internalised things, as I’m sure everyone does.”
It is a dark comedic explosion of cabaret, drag, it poses an important question for this generation: how much has changed between the Hollywood of yesteryear and now?
The cast of As SHE Likes It will be running an empowerment workshop on Saturday 16 March, 3.30-5pm. The workshop is designed to empower women and non-binary people, using mental health techniques and comedy techniques.
“The real life horror is things that are happening today,” Chloe explained the play tagline, “That’s what scares me the most. General human beings and what humans do to fellow humans, that’s the real haunting thing to me.”
“It’s sad, because people look at the industry, thinking how forward-thinking we are. But unfortunately there’s not a lot of action taking place, it’s just a lot of talk.” Chloe continued.
Chloe really wanted to come to Coventry, where she has worked before. “I wanted to start in my own hometown, Huddersfield, and then end in my home away from home - where my partner is from - Coventry. It was very full circle.”
Don’t forget to book your tickets for tomorrow’s workshop and tickets for Saturday’s performance here.