Maybelline is in her Slut Era

“The Filipino Australian comedian reclaims her narrative in this smart new show, gleefully unloading all the juicy tales whilst equipped with a microphone, her impressive vocal prowess, and a power point presentation (for all the data whores) on her sexual escapades with carefully detailed and hilarious analytical results.”

“It’s not a dirty show by any means. Instead, Maybelline is in her Slut Era is a sex positive coming-of-age story about a young woman who, despite her trials and tribulations, still fiercely believes in love.”

“This bold and brave little show is unapologetically shameless with entertaining stories and excellent songs that you’ll recognise, cleverly reworded to help Maybelline tell her story.”

“Maybelline tells of her various experiences with such raw honesty is deliciously captivating and felt surprisingly empowering.”

“…you can’t deny that Maybelline is in her Slut Era is the epitome of resilience in the best way possible.”

Excerpt

If there’s a prototypical Fringe show, it would be the one-woman sexual bildungsroman, in which the protagonist weaves her way through the hazards of dating to find her true self. I’m not mocking this. Well done, it can be as enjoyable and enlightening as Candace Bushnell’s original newspaper columns that inspired Sex and the City. I saw at least four of these, the best of which, Me, Myself and Other, uniquely mixes in the struggles of an American-Colombian girl who moves to strange places with her family and then grows up to face and fight through major health challenges. Star Diana Romero and director Maggie Whittum, both TV writers, manage to make the sure movements of Romero’s wheelchair across the stage a subtle but telling signal of Romero’s continued boldness.

Other shows more centered in this genre include a charming import – complete with charts and statistics on bedmates – from the Adelaide Australia Fringe Festival, Maybelline in her Slut Era; the bracingly anatomical Slap Ass Friday, in which a tampon flies into the audience, starring the enthusiastic New Jersey transplant Kaitlyn Gonzalez; and #MESSY, with comedian Julia Melim, a well-paced introspective rant which got the most laughs when mentioning a class on the practice of oral sex.

“It’s a collection of whip-smart observations on modern Australian dating, wrapped in a hot-pink bow of pop-culture references. You’ll laugh, you’ll gasp, and you’ll wanna be her best friend.”

“Maybelline thrusts the audience into her dreamy, romantic and hyper-feminine world.”

“Maybelline is in her Slut Era is a masterful reflection of the time. The sexual revolution has been and gone, yet the patriarchy is alive and well…”

“Like many romantic heroines, Maybelline wears her heart on her sleeve. She lives bravely and isn’t afraid to be vulnerable and make mistakes. Ultimately, laughter is the best medicine and heartbreak is always good material.”

“Hilarious, vulnerable and deeply quotable, Maybelline is in her Slut Era is a must-see for anyone who’s ever been on a Hinge date.”

“A show for the chronically online girlies and gays, Maybelline delves into the 132 days of her ‘Slut Era’ with a relatable show about the realities of modern “dating.” She immediately sets a welcoming and safe tone, with a touch of chaotic energy, as she unleashes her wild statistics from her 132 days of sexual liberation.”

“Sprinkled throughout, is her feminist take on the matter, honing in on the message that females should not be stigmatised for casual dating in the 21st century, when men are praised.”

“The show is a celebration of self-confidence and liberation, proving that women can be just as unapologetically sexual as they are funny!”

“What a debut show! I am sure this won't be the last time Maybelline will grace the Adelaide Fringe with her presence!”

“Maybelline’s energy was infectious even before she got on stage.”

“The heart of the show was Maybelline accepting she is a flawed protagonist but calling out the double standards between men and women when it comes to sex and relationships. It is refreshing to see a woman be so sex positive and not ashamed of being who they are despite the stigma in society about women enjoying sex.”

“Nothing was left off the table in Maybelline Is In Her Slut Era- the show mostly lighthearted and empowering did indulge in heartbreak, sadness, and vulnerability. You could feel Maybelline’s hurt and pain while she recounting her tale of falling in love and that love not working out. I couldn’t help but feel empathy and the urge to hug her.”

“It wasn’t just Maybelline’s relatability and charm that made the show- it was also her vocal talent and clever way of changing lyrics of popular songs”

“Maybelline Is In Her Era was an extremely funny (I laughed out loud multiple times) and poignant show and I know Maybelline will grow as performer considering this was her first Fringe show.”

“Maybelline brought energy and playfulness as she recounted her tales and misadventures. She refreshingly shared moments of her self-declared poor decision-making with candour, which in turn increased connection with the audience.”

“With detectable influence from mentor Michelle Brasier, Maybelline showcased exceptional vocals as she belted out musical numbers.”

“Maybelline highlighted her strengths when she leveraged her strong stage presence to share stories with authenticity.”

“Maybelline is in her Slut Era in an unabashed, irreverent comedy cabaret”

“this is a story about girlhood and how women can do “anything”; meaning the good, the bad and even the ugly.”

“A joyful, vibrant, honest and heartfelt ride,”

“it’s clear that San-Juan is ready to bare it all…metaphorically speaking.”

“We hear about heartbreak, lots of stories about orgasms and great sex, bad sex and perfectly timed visual gags of Instagram reels and her effective PowerpPoint skills.”