FLESHIES 2.0 DIRECTOR BRYONY SKILLINGTON AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GRACE AUGUSTINE SHARE THEIR FAVOURITE MOMENTS OF THE SHOW AND WHY THEY THINK RANGATAHI HAVE GOT IT GOING ON.
How has Fleshies 2.0 been different to the original Fleshies?
Bryony Skillington: The last rendition of Fleshies was all ages and with this one we have focused on the youth of 15–25-year-olds. Their stories are insightful, and we often don’t have the opportunity to really hear the youth of today. This show embodies all bodies but having a younger perspective allows an opportunity for us to still be growing, changing, but most importantly be standing out and having a voice.
Grace Augustine: In the first iteration of Fleshies, there was a diversity of ages within the cast. This time round, the cast is predominantly rangatahi between 15-25, as the HERE & NOW festival is all about creating opportunities for young people to thrive in the performing arts. The most significant difference for me has been the difference in perspective these young people bring to the body positivity discussion. It feels deeply important and humbling to facilitate that journey for these young performers.
What is one of your favourite moments from the show?
Bryony: All of it but I’m biased. Seriously though, it’s hard to find a favourite bit but what I will say is that their own words and stories are amazing and will touch your heart one minute and make you giggle the next.
Grace: I have so many favourites but one that really sticks out is the Fleshies 2.0 rendition of Beauty and the Beast. It is truly stunning.
What surprised you the most about directing this show?
Bryony: Just the amount of heart and enthusiasm these humans have for the work and their willingness to share and learn.
Grace: I have been so delightfully surprised by the dedication and energy of our young cast. When I was 15, I would've really struggled with the intensity of this rehearsal process. However, every single rehearsal has been full of focus, enthusiasm and joy thanks to our amazingly generous cast.
What have you learned from working with the rangatahi cast?
Bryony: So much! They have motivated me to want to make more works with young people and their willingness to work and the heart they bring without ego is super inspiring.
Grace: I've realised how excited I am for the future, and to live in a world that is run by these young people. They aren't gonna accept the bullshit. They're powerful and wise. They are radically loving and inclusive and we have so much to learn from them.
What do you want the audience to take away from the show?
Bryony: To laugh, to cry and to feel included.
Grace: I would be SO happy if Fleshies 2.0 helped our audience to love their bodies even a little bit more. But mostly, it is a space for laughter, tears and human connection.
For someone who is on the fence about buying a ticket, what would you say to them?
Bryony: These humans of the future deserve to be heard and appreciated. Their stories will fill you with love, laughter and understanding.
Grace: You should come, because when are jokes about bums, bowels and bodily functions ever not funny?!
