Overview
The conversation on the double standard between how we view and receive the male and female form is happening, though beyond a #freethenipple social campaign, there is a lack of mainstream disruption on the subject and the concepts which are inextricably linked – the male gaze, personal politics and the polarisation of feminism. The initial idea of The Offensive Nipple Show was to have two nipples on stage doing stand up minsogynst comedy, but it soon became clear that this was an opportunity to attempt something more.
In a recent Radio New Zealand interview, the writers and actors of the show, Jess Holly Bates and Sarah Tuck expressed the challenge of demonstrating a positive on-stage relationship between two women, without accidentally slipping into stereotypical female tropes or caricatures. The two also decided that the show was an interesting platform for addressing the continuum of personal feminism, and how they each fall short of their own expectations - a relatable and often hilarious reflection.
The Offensive Nipple Show is not a narrative driven performance, rather a ‘nipple talent show’ with sketches circling a central theme. While there is plenty of body comedy, slapstick skits and nudity, expect a balance between the silly and the sacred. The show was excellently received at the 2016 Fringe Awards in Wellington, and included a post-show collective skinny dip. A similar event is being planned for the Auckland shows, so pack a beach towel in your tote bag.