Andie Flores, a notable artist from Austin, captivates audiences with her one-woman show, “GERL GURL GORL!,” which premiered at Stage Austin earlier this month. The performance begins in an unexpected setting: a McDonald’s bathroom, where a troubling incident unfolds, leading to the emergence of a girl.
As the story unfolds, GIRL’s mother hastily exits the stall, her high heels clicking against the floor, setting the stage for a unique exploration of girlhood, identity, and the cultural implications of fast food. The performance is infused with humor, featuring numerous poop jokes that add an absurd twist to the narrative.
Central to the show is the character of GIRL, who enters a world oblivious to the complex realities that lie ahead. Through a blend of absurdist comedy and theatrical storytelling, Flores utilizes GIRL’s unconventional beginnings to delve into the challenges of growing up female in a society laden with preconceived notions about womanhood.
Flores, who identifies as an “embarrassment artist,” shares her creative process, stating, “I think she’s a girl who’s born from a poop and that feels like a stupid enough framework for me to have some really interesting conversations through the story.”
During the performance, Flores dons a nude bodysuit adorned with metallic embellishments, complemented by exaggerated clown-like makeup and a wild black wig. The audience at Stage Austin enjoyed watching GIRL as she playfully navigated the dark theater, surrounded by faux french fries and toilet paper, learning to walk amidst the chaos.
The inspiration for “GERL GURL GORL!” struck Flores during her time with her 18-month-old cousin. Concerned about the impact of her words, she aimed to capture the essence of self-discovery through trial and error. “Usually I perform as some version of myself,” Flores explained. “This is the first time where I wanted to have a character that is not trying to directly represent so much of what’s going on in my intimate life.”
As GIRL ventures through her new environment without maternal guidance, she encounters the “Mansplainer,” a character that personifies the unsolicited advice often directed at women. This interaction adds depth to Flores’ examination of girlhood, with the intention that both characters resonate with the audience.
Flores expressed her hopes for the show, stating, “I do hope that there is some strength that the audience walks away from the show with and maybe some acceptance.”
“GERL GURL GORL!” continues its run at Stage Austin until Saturday.
