Barbie hasn’t just taken over cinemas this August – the film’s exploration of feminism and gender roles has also taken over public conversation. If you’re looking to keep the Barbie energy going, check out this What’s On guide for a selection of thought-provoking feminist arts events showing in Adelaide this month. (Image: Alana Pahor)
By Alana Pahor | @Alana_Pahor
As August rolls in, most of us have seen – or at least talked about – Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster feminist comedy, Barbie.
Fittingly, Barbie has had the biggest opening season in history for a film directed by a woman, having made $527 million in its first weekend.
The film has garnered mixed reviews across the world, with fans praising its direct approach to modern feminism and haters labelling it “too woke” and “man-hating”.
However, through their heated internet debates, Barbie fans and haters alike epitomise the film’s power to spark public conversation about important issues surrounding gender roles, feminism and femininity.
This power is reflected in many of Adelaide’s art events this August, with new films, plays and exhibitions blending entertainment and gender politics.
With this in mind, OTR has compiled a selection of feminist arts events to help you keep the Barbie energy alive post-viewing. And don’t worry, we’ve included some of the usual events too.
Visual art/film and festivals/markets
Comedy film Ladies of Steel, which is showing at Mercury Cinema on August 11, features an elderly woman’s chaotic journey through Finland, which is filled with “charming hitchhikers, memories, and sinful dancing”.
Tailed by her two sisters, protagonist Inkeri recalls the suppressive nature of her patriarchal marriage and is faced with a life-changing decision: whether to pursue happiness or convention.
The annual South Australia Living Artists Festival (SALA), which is running until the end of the month, definitely got the Barbie memo this year.
The festival celebrates local visual artists, featuring many exhibitions about femininity and gender roles.
One of these exhibitions, Venus, is showing at Mezzanine 55 from August 18 to 27.
Its photographs, which feature magic- and nature-inspired depictions of womanhood, journey “into the depths, into the fire, into the feminine”.
Men With Heart is showing as part of SALA at the Minor Works Building until August 31.
The multimedia interactive exhibition celebrates the stories of open-hearted, courageous and vulnerable Australian men from the last two decades, who have worked to better themselves and the quality of their relationships with friends, partners and family.
The exhibition has won multiple awards for its positive impact on the wellbeing of Australian men and boys.
Some critics of the Barbie film have pointed out that it will encourage doll-buying levels “above the 60 million Barbies already sold annually,” which raises concerns about the amount of toys going into landfill.
If you’re looking for an uplifting way to join in on the conversation about sustainability and reducing product consumption, you might be interested in the REMAKE exhibition at Pepper Street Arts Centre.
Showing until August 25, the exhibition features over 40 local artists, who repurpose “discarded everyday and found objects” into jewellery, wall art, sculpture, glass and textiles.
Talks/plays/workshops
Playwright Laura Wade’s dark comedy Home, I’m Darling is on at the Arts Theatre from August 17 to 26.
The play provides a hilarious social commentary on gender roles, nostalgia and the complexities of identity as the protagonist sets off on a “quest to be the perfect 1950s housewife – in the 21st century”.
Showing at the Dunstan Playhouse until August 5, Girls and & Boys is a one-woman play that combines Fleabag-like humour with drama in its exploration of shifting power dynamics in a heterosexual marriage.
As the female protagonist rises above her husband on the British social ladder, the cracks in her marriage widen – and nothing can prepare her for what happens next. Please be advised this play contains themes of family violence.
On a lighter note, August is Poetry Month in South Australia and Writers SA is celebrating with their free annual Poetry Month SA Showcase on August 10.
The event will feature six local poets, including Yankunytjatjara artist Ali Cobby Eckermann and South-Adelaide author Karen Wyld.
The State Library of South Australia is also celebrating in style with its 2023 Australian Poetry Slam, heat number one for SA, presented by Spoken Word SA.
If you’re interested in watching, judging, learning, or even performing (competitors sign up at the door), head down to the library at 6:30pm on August 18.
Music/concerts
If you’re looking to recreate the dance party number from Barbie, Barbies Vs Kens – Plastic Poptastic Party seems like the way to go.
The party, which is on at the Rhino Room on August 19, will feature a Barbie soundtrack singalong, costume prizes, giveaways, a glitter station, and free fairy floss and Chupa Chups.
Outside of the Barbie realm, The Gov has quite a few music events on offer this August.
Folk band The Waifs are coming to the venue on August 5 as part of their Up All Night 20th Anniversary Tour.
On August 25, 80s Australian new wave band Pseudo Echo are playing some of their top hits at The Gov, including Funky Town, Listening and A Beat For You.
And, if you don’t have any plans tonight, The Gov is also hosting Adelaide Original at 7:30pm, featuring rock and pop punk music by Rafikee, Tris Beaumont, Charlie Modern and Popular Stranger.
We hope these arts events help you keep the Barbie energy – and conversation about feminism – going throughout August.
Have a good start to semester two and stay tuned for our September edition!
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