Nine Sixteenths, Pleasance Theatre London Review

Nine Sixteenths cast. Photo by Christa Holka

Written by Danai for Theatre and Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

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Nine Sixteenths. Nine sixteenths of a second. That’s all it took for Janet Jackson’s career to be upended when Justin Timberlake tore a piece of her clothing, exposing her breast on live TV for a brief nine-sixteenths of a second. In an instant, the nation erupted in moral outrage, sparking a wave of controversies and deep-seated reactions across the U.S. In Nine Sixteenths, Paula Varjack not only revisits the 2004 Super Bowl incident, but she skillfully weaves together the social and political ramifications it ignited in a meticulously researched and authentic theatrical piece.

The play unfolds in three acts, performed by four Black female artists: Paula Varjack, Pauline Mayers, Endy McKay, Julienne Doko, and Livia Kojo Alour. Each performer seamlessly transitions between multiple roles, embodying various characters as they navigate a story that grows beyond a case study. Through these layered portrayals, Nine Sixteenths explores pop culture, representation, and, more profoundly, how we are all implicated in a flawed system that perpetuates discrimination, racism, and a skewed self-image among marginalized groups.

The show creates a striking sense of intimacy, drawing in the audience, who reacted enthusiastically, almost as though they were part of the performance themselves. The nostalgic pull of early 2000s culture resonated deeply with the room, while moments focused on identity sparked personal connections. On top of this, the play’s humour added a refreshing dimension, achieving a delicate balance between its weighty themes and the lighter elements of pop culture. Although the pacing and transitions occasionally felt uneven, the work remained authentic and heartfelt, standing out as an impactful piece of theater.

With a focus on physicality and dynamic performances from its four actors, Nine Sixteenths seamlessly blends movement, lip-syncing, recorded audio, and dance to convey its story. The Janet Jackson "wardrobe malfunction" serves as a pivotal touchstone, around which the play explores the scrutiny of Black female bodies, the influence of commercial pop culture, and the rise of the internet and social media on public perception. Through this multi-layered narrative, the performers guide the audience on a journey beginning with Paula’s nostalgic childhood memories of idolizing Janet Jackson to the artist’s role as an enduring symbol of resilience and complex cultural critique.

Overall, this is a work not to be missed. Its unique character and in-depth exploration of the issues it tackles are rare, giving it the feel of a documentary without sacrificing its theatricality and dramatic structure. While it’s true that the show isn’t flawless—some transitions and pacing could be refined—its authenticity and intimacy make it truly worth experiencing. The concept and research behind it are remarkable, and I would love to see this piece further developed. The meta part about Paula Varjack’s intention to make this show really spoke to me and the fact that this is a work that reminds first and foremost to herself why she makes theatre is truly visible and one more reason I hope to see more works of the creatives who worked in Nine Sixteenths.

At Pleasance Theatre until 16 November 2024.

★★★