Ukulele Dream Girl: Self Isolation Songbook - Show Review
Many of us have experienced some form of self-isolation from the outside world during the COVID-19 pandemic, so what better idea than to turn it in to a songbook?
The Ukulele Dream Girl introduces you to her Self Isolation Songbook, a collection of stories about her personal experiences of life throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, discussing love, grief, working from home, screen fatigue, pressing social issues, and connections via alternative platforms.
Phi Theodoros uses her iconic ukulele, Willow as her choice of instrument to tell the story of her pandemic life, along with pre-recorded video messages which give off a ‘Dear Diary’ vibe and feature in various stages during Self-Isolation Songbook.
In the initial stages of the show, we’re met with some news which suggests that the performance will not be in person due to a slight tickle in Phi’s throat. At the time, I must admit that I was certainly convinced that it was going to be performed entirely over Zoom.
However, rest assured she’s been swabbed four or five times to ensure she has tested negative for COVID-19. To officially mark her presence to the stage, Phi spontaneously emerges from the stage curtains in her fabulous bathrobe iso-fit.
In typical Ukulele Dream Girl style, Phi opens the show with a light-hearted song about navigating social interactions in public whilst being socially distant, to which she confesses her love for hand sanitiser.
Throughout Self-Isolation Songbook, the Ukulele Dream Girl unpacks the somewhat never-ending reality of the pandemic by bringing up the issues of anxiety, fear, changes in routine, and eventually accepting the present situation.
A powerful feeling of empathy is felt for Phi during each story she performs in Self Isolation Songbook. One of the most sensitive moments in the show is when she touches on grief and the inability to be there in the last moments with our loved ones, separated by border restrictions and physical touch.
Finding Zen though Yoga Zoom classes has been a savior for Phi’s pandemic life, to which she takes a short break during the show from her beloved ukulele to participate in a class on-stage to stretch out all the tension.
Self-Isolation songbook raises the issue of important social justice issues which have been clouded by the ongoing uncertainty of the pandemic, such as the Black Lives Matter movements across the world, focusing specifically on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the systemic issues which continue to exist in Australian society.
Also featured in Self-Isolation Songbook is a duet with Nancy Bates, who is an Aboriginal singer, songwriter, and Barkindji woman. The duet features a song that Phi and Nancy worked on as part of a project for Reconciliation Action Week.
Phi is always down-to-earth and is fully expressive of her thoughts, feelings, and emotions through the avenue of her ukulele. The mental and emotional effects which the Phi has felt throughout the pandemic are brought to the surface during this heartfelt show.
Amongst the songs performed in Self-Isolation Songbook, Phi hit new notes that haven’t been heard in previous shows before. After having viewed previous performances by the Ukulele Dream Girl, such as Love at a Distance, I can say with confidence that Self-Isolation Songbook is the best show that Phi has produced and performed so far.
The Ukulele Dream Girl is taking a break from the stage in 2022 to focus on other creative and community projects, but she will still be present in Adelaide’s local performing arts industry. Be sure to follow her on her social media channels to stay updated with her whereabouts!
Rating: ★★★★★
