Words and Artwork by: Saskia Mortarotti

‘Fangirls’ is an energetic, bright, and pop-filled musical with a hidden feminist undertone.

Throughout history, sexist narratives have shamed women for their interests and hobbies. Whilst male’s strong reactions towards sports and other male dominated hobbies are validated, society pushes the idea that fangirls are obsessive, hysterical, and naïve. By recognising fandom as powerful and validating of women’s passions, ‘Fangirls’ stands up against patriarchal notions and prevails.

‘Fangirls’ embraces the concept of fandoms and helps audiences understand fan culture, showing the fun of being a part of a diehard community, through comedy. The musical achieves its aim of encouraging audiences to consider how impressive it is that fandoms can hold so much space, and influence.

The plot of ‘Fangirls’ is rather simple. It follows the story of tween Edna, as she navigates school life, whilst being a part of fictional fandom ‘True Connection.’ It focuses on Edna’s obsession with the lead singer of the band, Harry. In Edna’s attempt to escape her home life, she and her online best friend, write fanfiction. The story shifts between real life and fantasy as they write about taking down enemies and spending time with Harry.

‘Fangirls’ is more than a story of being in a fandom. It is a coming of age story. Through the themes of identity, community, and friendship, it’s a story of reclaiming the label of ‘fangirl,’ and changing its negative connotations. Whilst it may be a story young fangirls relate to, it’s also a story wider audiences should go out of their way to watch and experience.

The writer of the musical, Yve Blake, is a name that I guarantee we will see appear more in the future. Through her ability to create catchy and uplifting show tunes, Blake encapsulates fandoms’ earnestness. ‘Fangirls’ creates desire for young female talent to come forward and be recognised, as women in the arts continue to push for space and acknowledgment. Blake is truly an inspiring woman. It’s interesting
to speculate on what other stories can be told from voices that haven’t yet had a platform to share.

The cast of ‘Fangirls’ is oozing with talent. Many familiar faces feature in the musical — as stars from ‘The Voice’, alongside actors from the Australian television Netflix series revival ‘Heartbreak High’ — demonstrate the impressive talent of young Australians in the film and theatre industry.

The set is subtle, however still energetic and dynamic, as screens display videos behind the cast. The set is complemented by dramatic blue, pink, and purple lighting, and shimmery, holographic costumes.

The musical nods directly to the ‘One Direction’ fandom with its representation of the character ‘Harry’. Interestingly, in a famous interview with ‘Rolling Stone‘, ex ‘One Direction’ member Harry Styles stood up in defence of fangirls, expressing how important and powerful they are. He reminded the interviewer that teenage girls are the future and claimed “teenage-girl fans… they don’t lie. If they like you, they’re there. They don’t act ‘too cool’. They like you; they tell you. Which is sick!” This statement holds true.

The shamelessness and authenticity of fangirls are a testament to their dedication, and it is where their power comes from. It is through their honesty, sense of self, and care for each other, that fangirls truly do rule the world.