SALT LAKE CITY — Phone Whore, a Smut Slam International production at the online Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival, was intense! Written and performed by Cameryn Moore, with original direction by Elizabeth DuPré, this award-winning play left me stunned. The taboo sexual stories it shares and Moore’s casual attitude to all of it were a unique way to open up a dialogue that is difficult to reach, even among the most easygoing groups of people.
Show at the Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival closes August 6, 2020.
Phone Whore is about a woman whose job as a sex worker is to come up with stories that fit the desires of her clients, and the story follows her one evening while she is on-call, with the audience listening in like a friend she has invited over to hang out. The way Moore’s character would talk to the camera as if the audience knew her well and would understand her brass speeches once she explained a bit was a good choice, and it worked well. I also liked some insights the character shared, like that people calling were often in need of a friend or someone who wouldn’t judge them for what they think.
When the show first started, and I heard the character describing herself on the phone completely inaccurately, I realized she was making up a persona to fit the situation. As the character’s lies about herself fit the narrative she told, I was amazed at the creativity and imagination she used. I could see how being in a job like that could free up the artistic side of someone.
I liked the blocking, and DuPré made wonderful choices for that throughout. While Moore’s character chatted with her friend (the audience) about the pros and cons of her job, she was getting toast, taking a leak, and working on art projects. It was fun to see her carry the laptop around and set it on different surfaces, including the floor.
While hearing some stories I felt uncomfortable, and because Moore scheduled a talk-back after the show, it was a great opportunity to have closure for those feelings. The most important message of this show was to let people be whatever they want in their own minds, and that thought should always remain free. The societal fear comes from worrying someone will act on an anti-social thought, and so it is important to teach the difference between thought and behavior. I appreciated that message of thought freedom, because I don’t think any degree of thought control is healthy.
I also wondered about why people would keep Moore’s character in business. I sensed the need for acceptance, attention, and consideration for their wants, as being met during the phone exchange. Also, knowing someone cares and is willing to meet their need for sexual love, even remotely, seemed to be important reasons behind the calls.
The content is definitely adult only, and many adults could feel squeamish hearing this show, but it is also an artistic way to bring issues to light and is an easy way to open the conversation about sex, as well as the sexual services going on and what it means to us. I appreciated this performance of Phone Whore, and it is an important work of art to share.
These reviews are made possible by a grant from the Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts, and Parks program.
