Originally reviewed June 2017 for Theatre People.
“Welcome to the Hive”
Following a sell out season in 2016, the six First Nation women of “Hot Brown Honey” return to the hive in a no-filter celebration of femininity. Lead by queen bee and host, Busty Beatz, the crazy talented Honey’s take racial and woman stereotypes, rip them up and fire them out of a glitter gun.
“Hot Brown Honey” is an unreservedly unapologetic in its challenging view of being a woman and doesn’t care if you are offended. Any politically correctness needs to be left at the door, otherwise it’s a big middle finger and f**k you to you.
Busty Beatz, Lisa Fa’alafi, Ofa Fotu, Matehaere Hope ‘Hope One’ Haami, Crystal Stacey and Ghenoa Gela are bold, brave and beautiful as they take the audience on a journey exploring their cultural backgrounds, womanhood and unique skills.
Ofa Fotu has a stunningly clear, deeply soulful voice; Matehaere Hope ‘Hope One’ Haami is a bonafide beatboxing superstar; what Lisa Fa’alafi can do with a simple leaf will astound you and Crystal Stacey is hysterical as a hulla-hooping Aussie tourist in Bali.
Stacey also delivers one of the most haunting, confronting and stunning stirrup acts I’ve ever seen – which for me was the one of the highlights of the night.
The stage design is simple, the costume changes are part of the comedy routine and the show moves along at a cracking pace.
“Hot Brown Honey” is not for the faint hearted or easily offended. It has an extremely strong sense of voice, purpose and view. The power of the show is in its ability to be intensely thought provoking and terrifically entertaining at the same time.
B at The Bows 