'9-5' The Musical

At the weekend I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to see 9-5 at the Savoy Theatre with my family. I have always loved Dolly Parton, and I love her personality, and what she has stood for. However, I did not expect such strong messages to be shown through the 9-5 musical. It was incredible—and such valuable messages were portrayed through fabulous acting and clever scenes.

Firstly, it showed women empowerment. The story is based around three women, from different backgrounds who have come together in their workplace. They use their different backgrounds to their advantages, and despite not being able to see through their differences originally, after discussions, they realise they are all treated the same by the men around them, and more than often it is negative. These ladies build each other up through their friendship, and help each other in ways they never knew they needed.

Savoy Theatre

Secondly, it showed that women have sexual desires, and that, that is okay. History has often portrayed women having sexual thoughts and feeling as hysterical and mad. It has been shown and treated as a bad trait in a lady. In a scene with Bonnie Langford and Brian Connelly, Bonnie expressed her sexual feelings for Brian by dancing erotically while wearing sexy red lingerie. She held herself in a vulnerable position, and showed that it is okay for her to feel like that about a man.

Thirdly, 9-5 showed us that women have a place in the workplace, and should be valued in their position. All of the women were in a lesser position than their male counterparts, and were paid less for what was often more work. This was featured heavily throughout the musical, and there were many moments where the women were treated and spoke to differently, and negatively.

Ticket

Finally, male chauvinism was a very prevalent topic, which relates to the last point made. The men treated women in the musical as sexual objects who were placed in front of them purely for their personal benefit. There were many moments where the men asked the women to do particular jobs, to benefit themselves and their own mind. The comments that were made, and the way most men acted were always sexual in nature, and of a degrading fashion. Again, this is a topic that is still continually being discussed in the 21st century.

All of the messages that 9-5 gave the audience were issues that were very prevalent in the 1980s. However, the majority of these points still feature heavily in the life of a lady in the 21st century. It was a very important musical, and if anyone has the chance to see it, I would highly recommend it.

Well done to the writers, the actors and everyone else involved in it's making. And obviously to you Dolly Parton, who, without you, it would never have been possible.

Hoodie bought from the Merchandise Shop