Scenes With Girls

There's something so comforting about being reminded that trying to be "not like other girls" is, in itself, a common experience among women—it's the recognition that we are all, in fact, like other girls. This shared experience creates a deep sense of relatability and connectedness, which Salad Days Collective has evoked in their 2024 season of Scenes With Girls. More than exploring intimacy, romance, or sex, Scenes With Girls delves deeply into the unique and complex bond found in female friendship.

The narrative centres around Tosh (Jasmine Prasser) and Lou (Hannah Ward), 24-year-old housemates who engage in candid discussions about their lives and relationships. Their conversations are sharp, witty, and filled with questions about authenticity and the pressures of conforming to (and rejecting) societal expectations. The play opens a dialogue about the nature of love and the performative aspects of identity, especially concerning sex and the societal expectations of young women.








 
 
 



The play’s narrative relies on the intimate conversations between Lou and Tosh, placing much of the responsibility on the performers to convey the depth of their characters. Hannah Ward's portrayal of Lou is both committed and expansive. She captured the audience's attention through dancing, facial expressions and eye contact, revealing the character's vulnerabilities during the play's more challenging moments. Ward's natural comedic timing is vibrant, painting Lou as a flawed yet incredibly likeable best friend, full of individuality and warmth. As the play progresses, we witness Lou’s vulnerabilities surface, but I love that Ward does not use Lou's good qualities as a mask for her insecurities. Instead, she presents them as integral parts of her character, making Lou complex and relatable. The work of director Ava Rusch emerges in this portrayal, where care has been taken to construct a rounded character.

Jasmine Prasser’s Tosh is less outspoken but remains multifaceted and engaging. Prasser's unbothered, slumped tone is well-physicalised, and her internal struggles are conveyed through minimalist techniques. Prasser has a skill for being in the moment as a performer, and I found her portrayal particularly believable. However, at times, her vocal delivery was too soft, causing some key lines to be missed—unfortunately, the Pip Theatre venue is unforgiving for such quiet moments.

While I enjoyed both characters, it took me a little while to warm up to the dynamic between the two performers. I don’t know if this was preview night nerves or long scene transitions, but I definitely got into the connection midway through the performance. Perhaps it was the introduction of their friend, Fran, that really got me excited. Georgina Sawyer's standout performance, marked by her detailed sensitivity and pure innocence, contrasted beautifully with the other girls and delivered a natural comedy to the stage. The chemistry between the characters, especially in scenes with all three on stage, became more defined and engaging with Fran's introduction.














Miriam Battye's script is highly relatable and quick, with scenes often cutting off mid-conversation. This abruptness poses a challenge for directors in effectively staging these moments. Unfortunately, the production didn't fully realise its potential due to issues with scene transitions, lacking a sense of continuity for the friendship. More consistent lighting and sound throughout the scene changes and reducing the length of these transitions could enhance the overall flow.

Despite some missed opportunities, I commend Ava Rusch's direction for being rich and encompassing, making the piece feel so current. The strength of their vision lies in the set design that was very impressive. The apartment had gorgeous colours that complemented the costumes beautifully (and that throw over the couch was just divine!). The lamps were a gorgeous touch, adding warmth and character to the space (no big light home!). The taps, toilets, and other elements effectively created a functional apartment which allowed the actors to inhibit the space, effectively transporting us to a real apartment.

Catch Scenes with Girls at Pip Theatre (Brisbane) until the 3rd August.

Grab Tickets here!