Writer and performer Frankie van kan came from a liberal family and, for the most part, was comfortable in her own skin.
Now she pulls back the curtain to reveal her life as a stripper and sex worker … and she doesn’t hold back.
In fact, Frankie is bold and bodacious, and we – the audience – are the beneficiaries of her show and tell, under the skilful direction of Maude Davey.
Complete with props, including a tape measure, candle, incense and baby oil, A Body at Work moves along at pace, as she takes us on a trip down memory lane.
She shines a light on her fellow strippers and clients, and delves into her feelings and her longing to have a child.
Photos by Petra Mingneau
It was 13 years in the stripping game, in clubs doing long shifts and hustling on six-inch-high stilettos, listening to the same old lines trotted out by men.
Getting naked was never an issue for Frankie, from her early days in Byron Bay.
She talks about how she lost her virginity and what her boyfriend at the time thought of her privates, milking that for all it is worth, with an audacious routine.
Early on as a stripper, she took a liking to women. Coming out as gay sparked a series of reactions.
Moving across to sex work – in her own business – was driven by curiosity and not from pressure to do so.
Frankie didn’t mind being objectified, as long as she was respected.
She enjoyed sex and some clients more than others, but was rarely – if ever – scared of them and certainly not when she had them at their most vulnerable.
The desire to be a mother beckoned. She had hormone shots in private.
During the performance, Frankie gets down to the altogether for extended periods more than once and even takes a sponge bath, all in the name of authenticity.
She also provides detailed insights into the male phallus.
Her foil is a bearded gentleman (Daniel Newell), who represents various elements of her journey. His exhortations invariably amuse.
I was most impressed by A Body at Work, in the confidence and candour, pride and polish that Frankie brought to the table.
Further, inviting Daniel along for the ride was inspired.
It is a slick, creative, eye opening and entertaining R-rated show with light and shade, humour and heart.
Frankie is good at weaving tales and opening up both literally and figuratively. Put another way, she is anything but shy and nothing is taboo.
Patrons are encouraged to play along as various chapters unfold and they readily comply.
As long as you are broadminded, you are in for a special treat.
A Body at Work is playing at Theatre Works, as part of the Midsumma Festival, until 1st February, 2025.
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