Bodycount
- Matthew D. Foster
- Mar 10
- 3 min read
Gutwrenching, yet important for today's world, Body Count was a special piece of storytelling, vastly compelling for the identity of what the world knows, but perceives you by. Shock-grabbing attention straight from the beginning, but also pure-theatrical magic, directed by Alice Wordsworth, and written and performed by Issy Knowles, Wordsworth makes you sit with the thoughts of what it means for those who live within a reality that is taboo in modern society. Knowles' performance of an online-P*rnS*ar was disturbing, but in a good sense of realism. The gluttony is portrayed in the maze of power within connection towards the body, and the amazing performance of an actress who is stellar in the craft. I wouldn't be masked by the inner comedy that was played within moments of innercourse; instead, I was enlightened by Knowles's additional power of writing, and a blazing script. Sex comes in the form of a storytelling narration, an art form of relationship towards the inner subconscious that formulates whenever a story tells the truth about the topic, rather than pinpointing into a comedy (which theres was some great jokes lying between if you are looking for a night out for some laughs). Seeing this show in the 21st century gave me insights into those whose stories aren't told in "me" moments, but rather, a definition of definition in the art of seen under. If you are looking for a Solo-Show that isn't afraid of diving deep into an emotional, but prevalent journey of a woman whose decisions heavily rely on past traumas. I would take the journey with her and with the heart of listening to the story, and feeling the power of theatre for those whose bravery is as bold as the topic.
I couldn't review this show without the deep acknowledgement of the lighting and sound designer for Body Count. Sam Levy was the surprise for this performance, with the amazing foreshadowing skills of presenting Wordsworth's directing skills. Providing those key moments in the changes for the emotional segments allowed me, as an audience member, to truly picture what Pollie (Played by Issy Knowles) thought inside. Litigating the meaning between soul and world, contrasting with the bravery of an intelligent design of lighting and sound, amazing spec of how great lighting can be. A play with power such as this would win each of the awards presented. If you are seeking a Solo-Show with humanity for those who seek truth in the blind, whose stories as bleak as they sound, but as powerful as they can be, Body Count is a show that is a must-see! Ultimately, writers who possess the ability to strike gold with the motivation of "why now" deserve the rightful chance to be vulnerable for the world around them, and the show that they so choose to write about. Body Count was a very risky show to place on the stage, and at one moment disturbed me in the sense of being too realistic in the reality of OnlyFans Models, but about building that reality with a value-seeking, truth-finding call to action.
In my final thought, writing this review, I knew a show that calls on the sexualization of women through the tropes of P*rn would be a mindblowing, thought-provoking show; however, I never knew a show that could place an actual modern story, adapting it towards the everyday audience could be super effective. A small hope for those who place themselves in corners of the world, in which they think no one cares, but we all have a voice that knows the suffering of those trapped in circumstances of guilt and pleasure.
Bodycount
Starring Issy Knowles
Matthew is an award-winning playwright and actor! While he loves being on the stage and writing theatrical-thought-provoking-innovational plays, his passions follow him backstage as well! As a student studying business and consulting for entertainment at the School of Professional Studies, CUNY, BBA. Matthew is honored to work on this special showcase full of talent and hardworking individuals. He's selected previous theatrical experience includes Those Who Remained at La Mama E.T.C. (Producer, Props), BMCC CUNY (stage management and performance degree), The Lake (Playwright), and Earth (playwright). He is extremely grateful for the mentors and individuals, and organizations that have given him his resources and support to keep theatre alive. @matthew.d.foster
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