Friendly Feminism performs for International Women’s Week

As part of International Women’s Week, Northern Adelaide Senior College students were visited by Millicent Sarre and her feminist band for their titled Fringe act, Friendly Feminism for the Mild Mannered last Thursday.

“We are very proud to have got an actual Fringe performance act coming here for us,” says Renee Howell, drama and women’s studies teacher.

“This in part is to celebrate International Women’s Day but it is also an excuse to hear some awesome music.”

Featuring ten catchy pop songs about Sarre’s personal experience as a woman and feminist, Friendly Feminism invites the audience to examine themes of toxic masculinity, consent, allyship and the me-too movement.

“It was really good. Really emotional,” says Chaelee C., a NASC student.

“Not something I would expect as it was my first time being at one of these [Fringe acts]. It was worth it in the end really. Totally unexpected and great,” agrees Yarrabah S.

Millicent says that the highlights of performing a show about intersectional feminism has been the audience responses.

“The fact that it has resonated with a lot of people has been a huge highlight for me,” says Millicent.

“I think it’s challenging to present this kind of subject matter when it’s so close to your own personal experience.

“It can be hard to be vulnerable like that and there’s always that underlying element of not trying to think about how people are going to react to it. It can be tough. It’s been a risk, but it’s paid off I think.”

Millicent says that’s she loved performing for our students in the MEZZ performance space.

“I really love this venue; I love the whole space,” says Millicent.

“The students were lovely. Really warm and responsive and I feel really privileged to have performed for them and I’m glad that I could be a part of the International Women’s Day experience. Thank you so much for having us. It’s been wonderful.”

She hopes that our students’ big takeaway from their show is to be an ally.

“Whether or not it’s for reasons like sexism, or racism, or someone who is targeted for their sexuality. To see where other people may be vulnerable and where you have the power to step in and support them,” Millicent impassions.

To listen to Friendly Feminism: The Album you can visit Millicent Sarre’s website here.