FRINGE REVIEW: THE TOTALLY UNOFFICIAL AND CLASSIFIED GUIDE TO SURVIVING THE IMPOSSIBLE

The girls of D’faces troupe unveiled the lives of teenagehood with bravery, honesty and unapologetic confidence

Words by Kate Johnson

Image via adelaidefringe.com

In North Adelaide, there is a historic ballroom in Carclew. About 20 plastic chairs face a set that resembles a messy teenager’s bedroom, a close reality of the best friends from Whyalla the play centres on. 

The girls have been friends since they were seven. “No six!” they bickered. When they entered the scene everyone was instantly intimidated by their confidence. We have the biggest inside scoop – what teenage girls really do at sleepovers.

Their acting was captivating, real and raw as they relived their experiences. Even the way they logged onto a laptop with extreme speed was accurate. This show was a time capsule of what it’s like to be a teenager in 2024.

Meetings with the councillor, who was played by a basketball, were layered with truth. Lines like “I don’t need a councillor to tell me that I’m failing!” unveiled the themes of avoidance, frustration and insecurity that flowed through the performance.

Even the way one of the characters said “fuck” as she was running late for school, ripping on the shoes already laced up from yesterday, was authentic. As a retired teenager, I couldn’t help but think "I’ve been there." There was also humour splattered throughout, with one of the funniest moments coming when one of the girls played a science teacher.

The performances from the girls were brave, vulnerable and strong. They stayed in character and welcomed us into their world. I caught myself with the biggest smile when we made eye contact and felt like I was part of the show. I loved how they used pop culture references and made sure not to give away any spoilers for the movie Scream because “what if the audience hasn’t seen it!”

The girls of D’faces troupe unveiled the lives of teenagehood with bravery, honesty and unapologetic confidence. Despite the smack-talk about being a teenage girl, The Totally Unofficial and Classified Guide to Surviving the Impossible makes you want to be a part of that world and be their friend.