As a plus sized person, I have spent many years wrestling with my self-confidence and sense of belonging in a world that condemns any body type that is not considered “normal”. Being a fat girl meant that I was different, an outcast, ugly and in certain spaces, unwelcome. I Will Eat You Alive, a new play written and directed by Katie Hileman, brilliantly tackles the societal, familial and personal pressures that fat women like me experience from early childhood through adulthood.
As soon as you step into the theater you can see the fantastical and colorful lighting at each corner of the stage with white drapes. The lighting, designed by Adam Mendelson creates a space that feels ethereal and outside of time. The main expanse of the stage is taken up by a long white table with several seats that audience members can choose to sit at, although there are a limited number of seats. Throughout the performance both the actors and the audience members at the table have the chance to interact with and taste items designed by the consumable Properties Designer Jessica Rassp.
Another noticeable and distinct feature during the performance is the use of projections. While sitting at the table there are several projection sequences designed by Andrés Poch Scenic and Projections Designer that really catch the eye and create an immersive feel to the piece. One such projection is utilized on the table itself, appearing as internet comments about fat women. Having the comments appear as if they are actively being typed in tandem with the actresses reading them aloud was stunning. Along with the immersive projections, the sound effects by Sound Designer Mo Oslejsek only add and heighten the already immersive quality that the show has created. The seamless transitions between sound effects and dialogue were fantastic. The sounds of background bar noise truly surround the audience and make you feel like you are sitting at an actual bar with Fat Girl 3.
Vicky Graham (Fat Girl 1) portrayed a fat girl with a bubbly and cheerful personality looking to start her dieting journey. Her youthful tone and presence on stage made the audience fall in love with her outlook. With her kind and friendly personality displayed throughout, some of the more serious themes and dialogue made it seem as though one could not help but feel a sense of heartbreak and empathy towards her character. I felt particularly moved when she portrayed her younger version of her character and praying to be normal and pretty like a Disney Princess.
Betse Lyons (Fat Girl 2) had me in tears ten minutes into the show. She portrayed a fat girl who has tried all the diets, exercise programs and restrictions. She expertly created a fake bubbly exterior that slowly gave way to a girl broken by the harsh reality of what being a fat girl in society means. Especially a fat girl who enjoys performing and doing theater. The journey that Betse takes the audience through with her character from start to finish is heart wrenching and extremely relatable. Having also traversed the mind set of trying every diet to fit myself into a mold, Betse made me feel those exact pains with ease and skill.
Meghan Taylor (Fat Girl 3) was truly magnificent from start to finish. I was luckily able to sit at the table near her for the performance, and every mannerism and minute expression was so lively and effortless. I did not feel as though I was sitting next to an actress but rather an old friend. Meghan’s comedic timing and effortless banter with those sitting at the table was remarkable and entertaining. Meghan portrayed a fat girl who was seemingly ok with being a part of diet culture but grew to loathe its restrictions and its shaming tendencies. Meghan’s characterization was so authentic and raw giving the audience true anger and hurt for her character throughout the piece. I was a blubbering mess for her scene towards the end of the show. Meghan’s embodiment of what some fat women experience was hauntingly beautiful.
The costumes also designed by Meghan Taylor lend themselves to the transformation that each woman experiences throughout the duration of the show. Wrapped in white to blend and fit in with a society that told them their fatness was something to be ashamed of and transforming into bold and beautiful colors at the end was a sight that I will not easily forget.
To be completely honest, I’ve had a terribly tough time trying to write this review. This show was so brilliantly written and expertly performed and designed that I do not accurately have the words or the space in this review to describe the impact it has had on me or on its audience. As a fat woman, the perspectives and dialogue portrayed in this show uncovered parts of me that I’d forgot I had hidden from the world. I cannot say this enough, but everyone should see this show regardless of their body type. This show discusses the issue of being fat in a modern world with such finesse and truly heart wrenching perfection that I will remember this performance for a very long time.
Running Time: 75 minutes no intermission
I Will Eat You Alive, a play produced by Interrobang Productions, plays through February 10th 2024 at The Voxel— 9 W. 25th Street in Baltimore, MD. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance online.
