HomePast work I Wish I had a Moustache

Date: Sept 2013
Commission partner: ACE x Contact x Apples and Snakes x Commonword
Description: I Wish I had a Moustache is a coming of age story that explores beauty, gender anxieties and the taboo of body hair.

Brief:

Body hair is still a controversial topic which brings out a reaction in most people. In her debut solo show, Keisha went on a Socratic journey through the history of the female beauty regime; as far back as 16th century, looking at the ‘Book of Secrets’ depilatory recipes.

“I Wish I Had a Moustache’ is a funny, heart-felt and moving spoken-word theatre show about identity and growing up. It also tackles an almost taboo subject – female body hair – with humour, irreverence and honesty. Every young person should see it!”

~ Matt Fenton

“A future force in solo theatre. Keisha Thompson has built on her already existing skills in writing and poetry through this important work. Seamlessly changing characters to tell a narrative spanning childhood, adolescence and maturity; this piece manages to bring both humour and gravitas to one of the key issues of our times. Educating, entertaining and hilarious. “I Wish I Had A Moustache” deserves to tour for many years and I would encourage everyone to see it.”

~ Maxwell Golden

“The character’s incarnations as child, pre-teen and adolescent were acutely observed and very funny. Of the performance poets-turned-actors that I’ve seen, Keisha is among the best. I’m honoured to have worked with her.”

~ Cheryl Martin

Solution:

The show asked “Can you be a modern day feminist and also feel the immemorial need to shave your legs?” “How much are we willing to consciously change about ourselves before the soul disowns us?” A comedic, at times disturbing, journey saw the protagonist investigate if she had a problem with her gender, her culture or just herself.