Erica Mulkern: Suzy Homemaker
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A powerful one-woman dance show exploring feminism across three historical eras.
Suzy Homemaker is a one woman contemporary dance show from Erica Mulkern.
Susannah is an Edwardian socialite in 1903.
Ms. S. is a Burlesque performer in the 1920s.
Suzy is a 1950s housewife that has more to her than meets the eye…
The piece explores feminism through three historical periods: early 1900s, 1920s and the 1950s. ‘Suzy Homemaker’ was a line of miniature functional toy household appliances produced by Topper Toys, and launched in 1966, teaching girls how to be the perfect housewife. In this performance we see women throughout history trapped in a role they did not ask for, and had no choice in.
Following the Suffragette movement, before police quash the revolution; a double life; and domestic bliss turned nightmare, Suzy Homemaker invites you to be the perfect housewife, just like your mother.
Themes / Content warning
Suzy Homemaker particularly looks to examine female empowerment at key historical moments on the cusp of societal change, including adult themes such as domestic violence, distress and burlesque performance.
Age recommendation 14+
Audience feedback
“It was electric – a privilege and a pleasure to be taken out of your normal life and totally focussed on the performance.”
– Audience Feedback from Suzy Homemaker at Seven Arts, Leeds, April 2024
“This is for me was my introduction to dance and movement theatre, and hopefully it’s something I can see more of! I think to myself down the line when someone says, why do you go see these shows, I’ll say that I saw this great show called Suzy Homemaker in 2024 and really got me into it.”
– Audience Feedback from Suzy Homemaker at The Drama Studio, Sheffield, May 2024
“First impressions are it was very striking and very poignant. I feel like it has a very heavy message to carry, but I think it’s very cleverly portrayed. I think it’s important we have that shown in local theatre because it starts a conversation that people wouldn’t necessarily have without being prompted by something like a performance.”
– Audience Feedback from Suzy Homemaker at The Drama Studio, Sheffield, May 2024
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