Words: Berlyn Lee

4 Stars

Chastity Quirke is living her Legally Blonde fantasy, she’s working as the Receptionist of The United States or “ROTUS” (Like POTUS, but ROTUS, get it?) for her close personal friend, The President of the United States. As a proud American republican she loves her job and is willing to do anything to prove her loyalty to the cause! That is… Until she starts seeing the cracks and begins to wonder, is she actually a feminist? Gross!

ROTUS: Receptionist to the United States is a political satire that is both funny and a little terrifying. We meet Chastity at the end of her time as ROTUS, the President has served two terms and has lost the most recent election, but she’s been asked to do a very uncomfortable favour that makes her question everything. Using voice over (à la Election or Ferris Bueller’s Day Off) and flashbacks where a cast of suspiciously familiar named political figures are introduced, the audience begins to see how Chastity has come from steadfast conservative to liberal-ish girlie. 

Leigh Douglas does an excellent job leading this one-woman-play. Combining voice work, singing and dancing, she lit up the stage. The character of Chastity Quirke is so well developed, she had real layers and it was such a joy to watch as each one was uncovered. Especially at the end, when Chastity tearfully talks about her father and childhood. Brilliant stuff. 

ROTUS: Receptionist of the United States
Venue: Gilded Balloon Patter House – Snug
15:40
Jul 30th – Aug 24th