Review by Kate Gaul
Wild Rice (Singapore) production of “Psychobitch” is written by Amanda Chong and directed by Pam Oei. This is a dramatic monologue centring on hotshot broadcast journalist Anya Samuel. Brilliantly played by Sindhura Kalidas, Anya is introduced to us with an odd premise – she’s been accused by her fiancé, tech bro Galven Low, of being too emotional and unstable, and must explain and defend four incidents where she’s cried in public. The news reporter side of Anya wants to make this the best demonstration of all time, but in her gut, something feels off. And yes, so do we!
Over powerpoint slides and scenic reconstruction, the action follows Anya’s recounting her history with Galven, from their first date over drinks where she plays it coy, before following the rapid development past the honeymoon phase, moving in with each other and of course, becoming a future married couple. Anya comes from a Singapore Tamil Christian family. Galven is Chinese. Anya’s family wants to support her personal choices against growing community disapproval. With the presence of Galven’s ex Cheryl, and his obvious problem with alcohol, the pressures begin to mount despite Anya’s best efforts. We begin to understand that Anya is in an ugly coercive relationship and its hideous to watch this capable, classy woman be worn down by it.
It's lonely being brilliant and Anya’s world begins to crumble.
Sindhura Kalidas is at home with both comedy and more serious drama. The diverse Edinburgh Fringe audience laughed at descriptions of her character Googling to check if she has a brain tumor after an ongoing headache, the whispering words to a phone to influence the algorithm, drunk and asking a shocked Galven to write an ode to her uterus, or intense social media stalking of his ex. Hilarious and recognisable. Likewise, the array of characters she presents on stage are memorable: Galvin who speaks like a corporate how-to guide, a grandmother worried about her becoming a heathen, a racist property agent all spring to life both physically and vocally.
Playwright Amanda Chong has not only created a terrific vehicle for a gifted actor but explored the complexities beyond being a working woman in Singapore. Conservatism, racism, religious faith, gender power dynamics are all tightly woven into what turns out to be a complex story of toxicity, identity and agency. There is a parallelled story of Anya’s mother’s abandonment of her family and Anya’s own decision to leave Galvin without a word at play’s end.
Although thankfully fast paced and extremely confident as a production, At 80 minutes the play feels just a little too long. By the time we get to Anya’s acceptance of her Tamil roots and her re-found connection with her family it does feel like we are in another play. But it is an ambitious tonal journey that the playwright is taking us on and with an actor as fabulous as Sindhura Kalidas, “Psychobitch” is worth your time.
Image Supplied