A failed American Idol contestant (Mary Roach), Karen, who wants her $20 back, a fitness instructor who addresses haters: Ash Flanders recreates monologues from vloggers and viral YouTube stars in Meme Girls, his ‘love letter’ to the women online who appear confident but also crave attention, clicks, likes. Eugyeene Teh’s set replicates a long lens, while Katie Sfetkidis’ lighting design provides harsh brightness and soft glow where appropriate; we’re spectators watching people in front of a camera. Meme Girls is simultaneously an analysis of the deeper meanings and messages behind seemingly shallow or narcissistic videos, a celebration of the joy and fascination such ridiculous videos can bring, and a wry critique.
Flanders’ chosen subjects fit character templates Gen Y is familiar with, yet when collaged with (a few too many) songs – from The Drums to Kylie, as revised by The Sweats – and presented by Flanders in a white top and tails, assisted by exuberant drag queen Art Simone, we’re able to see how they’re all related. There’s a risk here of Flanders coming across as yet another man mocking the ‘self-absorption’ of women. Having said that, it never really feels like Flanders is being mean-spirited; rather, he treats these mundane monologues like they came from the pen of Shakespeare, delivering the characters with a campness, yes, but also humour and emotion, showing that these real people are just looking to connect with others.
