Immersive Theatre For The #MeToo Generation
Determining whether a woman is being treated like a piece of meat has never been more relevant in the #MeToo era.
The I Am company have come up with a very novel concept with their An Evening Of Meat, which is intended to be provocative, thought-provoking and, of course, extremely tasty.
Taking place at The Vaults, near London’s Waterloo station, guests are treated to a six-course meal combined with an immersive theatre experience. And while it does follow the night’s theme and appeal mainly to carnivores, there is also the option to substitute your set menu for a vegetarian or vegan menu.
Guests are sat in a dimly-lit room across three long communal tables and are accompanied by two female guests per table, who lie dormant across each table.
As the first course – a scoop of chicken liver in a savoury cone – begins to be served suddenly the silent female performer begins to awake and slowly starts to move. At first her movements are laboured and a little unsure and cautious. And while her clothes may be scantily-clad, this is certainly not akin to a night at Stringfellows.
Her moves become more exaggerated as each course progresses, with seared carpaccio of dry-aged tender beef and a braised mutton shoulder served with dehydrated feta, pea shoots and charred wild garlic following.
While it’s intended for the female performers to speak or engage with their captivated audience – they are there to be objectified after all – that’s not to say they don’t have an impact. Although it might not be the initial reaction they were hoping for – as several drinks were sent flying thanks to a leg stretch or thrust of the arm.
It would be an lie to say that this is a relaxing dining experience as we tucked in to our rare breed pig oyster cheek with a side pairing of lentil and a gently spiced red dahl. Not only is it a little disconcerting to have someone perform just inches in front of you as you eat and drink, as the night progresses the performers intend to grab your full attention. And if you dare chat to your friend and ignore their intricate moves, the performers are intent on making sure they get your full attention back with an extra flex of their leg or suddenly going into a handstand in the middle of the table.
But don’t let that point pass you by – as An Evening of Meat is meant to be uncomfortably intoxicating.
It’s incredibly inspiring to see the metaphorical shackles of society being broken and thrown away and for the performer to gain in confidence, independence and assertiveness. By the end of the night the performers are fully on their feet, performing splits down the middle of the tables and taking part in impressive partner gymnastics.
Not only is the food delicious and moreish but the show leaves an impressive after taste – you leave feeling that you too can conquer anything that life throws at you.
Girl Power.
