Anyhow Theatre Ensemble presents Girls Like That

Adolescence seen through the eyes of cyberbullying coming to the Cyprus stage says ELENI PHILIPPOU

Cyberbullying, internalised misogyny and gender inequality are some of the not-so-light-hearted yet relevant topics that Evan Placey’s play Girls Like That tackles. Originally published in 2013, the play is an explosive tale about the pressures young people feel today, particularly young women, as technology advances and cyberbullying intensifies.

The story begins with a leaked naked photograph of schoolgirl Scarlett going viral and rumours spread across smartphones like wildfire while her reputation becomes toxic, threatening to shatter the fragile unity of the girls she has grown up with. Her classmates, her girlfriends, not only do not support her but instead, make her name public and expose her. When a similar photo of a naked boy is released, the reactions are not the same. Feelings of shame, guilt and victim-blaming appear and through it all, Scarlett chooses to remain silent. But for how long and why isn’t this public shaming reaction the same for boys?

All of the uncomfortable questions and realisations the play presents will be brought to the Nicosia theatre stage this February as Anyhow Theatre Ensemble prepares an adaptation of Girls Like That in Greek with a 10-member all-female cast.

Of the female-only cast, three are professionals and seven teenage actresses, all attempting to portray the multi-layered and subversive world of adolescence.

Directed by Maria Iole Karolidou, Anyhow Theatre Ensemble’s production will be a Pancyprian first of the play after it was sponsored and premiered at the Municipal Theatre of Larnaca and the Municipal Theatre of Ypsona in December 2022, within the framework of the European Year of Youth – Cyprus.

The play highlights with directness, boldness and disarming honesty the challenges that teenagers face, focusing in particular on the issues of cyberbullying, gender inequality and the growing influence of social media.

Placey’s play, which was named best play for young audiences at the Writers Guild of Great Britain Awards in 2015, poses a key question: how did generations of women who fought for the vote, equal opportunity, workplace rights and control over their bodies produce daughters who are so insecure, judgmental and abusive towards other women?

Girls Like That

Evan Placey’s play presented by Anyhow Theatre Ensemble with 3 professional actresses and 7 teenage actresses. February 4-6, 11, 12, 18 and 19. Satiriko Theatre, Nicosia. Saturdays and Mondays 8.30pm, Sundays 7pm. €15. In Greek. www.soldouttickets.com.cy