Attract/Repel is an engaging performance, which shares the stories of four individuals of different ethnic backgrounds. Running as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival by the Melbourne Town Players this performance explores the diverse backgrounds as well as their honest retelling of their personal experiences. Their touching stories, both humorous and disturbing presents something that is lacked in the theatre world, a representation of multicultural Australia. They highlight their, both high and low experiences of racism, and begin to make us question, what is the line between name calling and teasing, but in a funny and entertaining way.

The way in which they express the hurt they feel when they are the victims of racism, is real and honest. But they can also laugh, and even use some of the words themselves to tease and describe each other. The characters not only explore their experiences of racism, as victims of it, but also that they too can and have had racist thoughts about somebody else. No matter who we are, of what colour, ethnicity, how big or small our eyes are, we all judge and sometimes need to question, where do we draw the line in name calling?

The Store room in North Fitzroy is a creative and intimate setting, with the stage made up of brightly coloured fluorescent lights and black walls. The four actors interact together in such a comfortable way, that as an audience you felt a part of the stage, a part of the conversations, not just a viewer. Fanny Hanusin was hilarious with her bubbly personality; she made any name calling or teasing feel playful and non-offensive.

The beauty of this piece directed by Ming Zhu Hii is that it takes a light heartened approach to racism, and makes the audience laugh. A person from an ethnic or diverse background is able to truly relate to the characters on stage, as their conversations are very honest personal experiences. You are able to laugh at the names that people have called you, as well as remember the racist slur, that you would rather forget or ignore. Engaging and open, you feel privileged to have the opportunity to hear such honesty.

Attract/Repel: The Store Room / 2009 Melbourne Fringe

MELBOURNE FRINGE FESTIVAL
23 September - 11 October