The 1932 film ‘Freaks’ was so controversial for its time that it was banned for 30 years (it’s number 72 in the list of ‘1001 Movies to See Before You Die’). One of its stars was Minnie Woolsley who played KooKoo the Birdgirl. Her unusual career freed her from life in an asylum.
Minnie was a rockstar of her times; a freakshow performer and a film actress. Fast-forward a century and circus performer Sarah Houbolt has uncovered this cult classic. Bearing an uncanny resemblance to Minnie herself (and an undeniable higher calling), Sarah brings you an enlightening, captivating and visceral experience of the beauty of difference in her one-woman show. Expect a gripping narrative, a heartfelt connection to a hidden past and a spark-filled finalé.
This is fresh, exceptional work from Australian Sarah Houbolt – a Sydney 2000 Paralympian, a disability advocate and an award-winning, critically-acclaimed circus and physical theatre performer.
“Amazing, moving and revealing. This is an important performance.” (Express Magazine)
Age: Recommended 12+
Development funding from Australia Council for the Arts
Winner – Green Room Award for Contemporary and Experimental Performance 2019
Audiences for KooKoo the Birdgirl are invited to a casual screening of Freaks (60 mins, age 15+) at 4pm on Sat 19th October over the road from the Wardrobe Theatre at Space, 6 West Street, Old Market, Bristol BS2 0BH. Spaces very limited http://hdfst.uk/E57416