The Patient Gloria @ Traverse Theatre

The Patient Gloria is a daring feminist critique of the infamous 'Gloria Films' scandal

Review by Dominic Corr | 08 Aug 2019
  • The Patient Gloria @ Traverse Theatre

Take a seat, won’t you? In today’s session, we’re going to take a look at The Patient Gloria. A surreal examination of Gloria Szymanski, who would allow her therapy sessions with three counsellors to be video-recorded for what she was led to believe was an educational film. Instead, they would receive a public release entitled The Gloria Films.

Gina Moxley’s production condemns the gross abuse, lunacy and outdated psychoanalysis surrounding the systematic betrayal of female psychiatry patients. If you’re a chap, you may end up crossing your legs over this theatrical stamping of patriarchal structures.

If you aren’t receiving recognition in your field, just shove a fake dick in your trousers. It’s been getting men this far for some bewildering reason. Despite the jabs, lampoons and severe smacking penis envy patriarchal neuropsychiatrists receive, the script has a sobering fire. 

The acid tongue of Moxley, in conjunction with Liv O’Donoghue's performance as cigarette smoking Gloria, tip-toes a dangerous line in experimenting with boundaries but potentially besmirching what they’re aiming for. Most notably, under all the wayward sidelines, lies a concern for the the lack of sex education for youths.

Taken advantage of, Szymanski came to these men with the intent on gaining a better relationship with her daughter, while continuing a sexual relationship with men. The Patient Gloria commands our attention. It’s the sort of production which will notice you slinking into your seat, then draw you back out. It wants to sing, scream and dance passionately – posing ‘can you see me now?’ Yes, Gloria, Moxley ensures that we can.


The Patient Gloria, Traverse Theatre (Traverse 1), until 25 Aug, various times, £16-£22