This play is packed with exciting performances and nuanced discussions about identity, culture and family
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY MICHAEL BOFFEY
Written by Gayathiri Kamalakanthan, Period Parrrty initially starts with teenager Krish panicking about their upcoming period party. In Tamil culture, when a person has their first period, it should be celebrated, marking their transition into womanhood. For Krish, there is one pretty big problem: Krish isn’t a girl, and certainly isn’t going to be a woman.
As the play unravels, Krish, played by Elizabeth Green, goes on a quest to find their queer Tamil culture and history, all while figuring out what love and relationships look like for them as a non-binary teenager. With the help of their best friend Brenavee, played by Tanvi Virmani, Krish’s coming-of-age is dotted with first heartbreaks, oral histories and learning about a past that has been erased.
One of the play’s major strengths comes down to its casting. Elizabeth Green was as convincing as they were comedic, embodying all the queer teen angst and rage to carry such a beautifully written character. Rani Moorthy, who plays Krish’s mother, had the room in stitches and floods of tears, showing all the sides of this fascinating matriarch. In particular, I loved Tanvi Virmani’s ode to 2010s culture in her performance, nostalgia steeped into every decision.
Alongside Krish’s own personal journey, the backdrop of the Tamil genocide provided nuanced, devastating conversations about the importance of culture. In exploring the open wounds that the genocide has left on those who experienced it in Sri Lanka, Period Parrrty expertly weaves between the past and present to create a beautiful tapestry of stories that recount love, struggle and family.
While Period Parrrty does delve into tragedy, it is also surprisingly really funny. As Krish learns more about their own queerness – and that of those around them – it is hard not to smile. Both Elizabeth and Tanvi throw themselves into the role of angsty teenagers with such tenacity that it felt like watching myself at that age, messing around with my friends in the school loos and gossiping at parties about who had just arrived.
This story may not feel like the most obvious place to have a heartwarming, adorable rom-com element. And yet Period Parrrty weaves this into the narrative with ease. It’s rare to see such a classic teenage love story be played out so authentically with queer characters. From the yelps of excitement from the audience, it’s clear that this representation is not only lovely to watch but also so needed. There is something so healing in seeing two queer characters get to live out their rom-com dreams without there being any additional tragedy or despair.
When watching plays about queer experiences, it can be easy to leave with a sense of hopelessness. At the moment, things are pretty bleak. But in leaving Period Parrrty, there was a sense of excitement and teenage-like hope through the audience. Maybe it was the first time they felt seen on stage. Perhaps it had helped them heal their own relationships with their biological family. Maybe they’d just had a really good time. Regardless, Period Parrrty is a triumph.
You can see Period Parrrty at the Soho Theatre now.
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