How “I will eat you alive” changed me
In February of 2024, a friend bought me tickets to a play debuting in Baltimore called “I Will Eat You Alive.”
It was written by Katie Hileman and performed by 3 absolute badass femmes, Meghan Taylor, Betse Lyons and Vicky Graham. All I knew going into it was that it was a commentary on body image and societal standards of beauty.
It changed me.
How did a play that wasn’t more than 90 minutes long leave me feeling both incredibly seen and called out?
For reference, I’m a cis white, non-fat woman with a history of sexual assault. I have historically not felt very body-positive due to how I was perceived and talked to (and about) growing up.
This was an interactive play and I went all-in. I sat at a dinner table, under the spotlight, with the 3 actors and about 10 other audience members.
In the first 20 minutes, I knew this play was for me. I felt every sentiment shared by the actors- from dieting talk, to internal monologues, to references to weight loss routines and calorie counting. This was a life I knew! It was satire and the audience was laughing. I smiled and laughed along with it but I was starting to feel emotional. This message was so universal…and it was my own story…and it was the story of so many others.
I don’t want to give too much away, because it’s a must-see for you if you know anyone with a body. I will say though, that as the play went on, and as I sat at the table under the lights, I cried. (And everybody saw me.)
I cried because a story of assault touched my own story so closely. I cried because I saw the humanity in each actor and felt how it touched my own. I cried because I realized how afraid I’ve always been of gaining weight. Because with each pound I’ve gained, I’ve worried that it’s diminished my worth in this world. I cried because I realized I was afraid of the boldness of the actors in this play- standing proudly in their skin, absolutely GLOWING with passion. It made me feel like there was another way to live. Like I’ve been doing it wrong- playing by the wrong rules and regulations. I wanted to be like them.
Since seeing “I Will Eat You Alive” I’ve begun giving myself a little more grace and allowance to be human.
I’m a Boudoir Photographer and after going through this experience, I wanted to give back in some small way. This play needs to be seen. This playwright and these actors need to be celebrated. So I invited the cast to do a Boudoir Session with me and they said yes. I invited Katie, Betse, Vicky and Meghan out…and they were amazing.
Sexy, beautiful, gorgeous, stunning, sultry, etc…
You can be any adjective for “beautiful” at any size. You are worthy. You are ALIVE. You are an indulgence. You deserve to indulge yourself.
“I Will Eat You Alive” is streaming online until this Sunday, March 31st. This play said everything I wanted and needed to hear and I can’t wait to see how it changes countless other lives. WATCH IT HERE
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Learn more about IWEYA and Interrobang Productions.
If you’re ready for a Boudoir Session of your own…Contact me. <3