The Cat’s Paw: Carlton Courthouse Theatre

The Cat’s Paw is compelling viewing with grassroots relevance. The play follows the story of Brigid, a street walker whose downward spiral is intercepted by the seemingly altruistic act of Esther, a private investigator. It is through Esther that Brigid meets Paul, a nine-to-five office employee searching for his fleeing wife. Through these tangled webs of deceit the deeper intricacies of working in the sex industry unfold.

Hoy Polloy theatre is renowned for bringing emerging locally produced talent to the stage. The Cat’s Paw is the brainchild of renowned local playwright and author, Christine Croyden. Working as a nurse and midwife exposed Croyden to the darker secrets of St Kilda’s backstreet alleys. While working with Project Respect, Croyden came across many women trying to escape the sex industry. Croyden wrote the play to question the effects of raunch culture on today’s young women. The sexualisation of women in the media and its impact on the burgeoning sex industry has created a bit of an identity crisis among girls growing up today.

This is evident in how Brigid exercised her initial choice to engage in prostitution. Brigid’s justification of her own reasons for being in a trade where she is at risk of exploitation and physical harm sounds brutally familiar. “At least I’m in control” she cries, distinguishing herself from the obsequiousness which she associates with her sister’s relationship with her boyfriend. Brigid’s defiance through self-mutilation is another avenue she uses to maintain her grip on reality. These themes are a startling revelation of what drives some women into the sex industry. The play explores the motivations for the choice and ultimately the consequences.

The set design is both clever and contemporary with graffiti motifs splayed across a staircase structure which boxes most of the drama. Ultra violet lights are used to highlight the tension at the opportune moments. The dramatic effect of the simplistic sliding screen is apparent from the very first scene in which the silhouettes of girls dancing to strip club music set the mood. It is on top of this structure that the Angel looks on and delivers her lilting commentary. The ominous sounds effects are done with great effect, although sometimes distracts slightly from the drama. The performances are to be commended, particularly Zoe Ellerton-Ashley as the troubled Brigid.

The Cat’s Paw is one of those rare plays that is completely honest in its realisation of its confronting subject-matter without coming off as too moralistic. It is successful in bringing to the fore universal issues within a local Melbourne setting. Croyden is to be commended for highlighting issues of such relevance in such a powerful drama.

The Cat’s Paw
written by Christine Croyden

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