One Punch Wonder

Toxic masculinity has been a trope and a mainstay theme in numerous films or even in plays. 

For example, in the classics, toxic masculinity is often portrayed as unhealthy behaviour, focusing on violence and aggression, and operates under the notion of what a man should be. Now, modern films have approached it in a more honest, and an open way. 

That is the premise of One Punch Wonder, a stage show by Amanda Crewes, addressing toxic masculinity realistically. The play responds to the ongoing prevalence of stories in the news, social media, and various articles. It takes a look at the coward punch from different angles. Four male actors take on female roles, playing as mothers and sisters. The play asks, “How much damage does one punch do?” 

Amanda , who graduated at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts in 1998, wants to bring justice to the play’s narrative and lend a voice to a cause that needs to be heard. Through the play, she wants to address the harmful effects of toxic masculinity, and why there is a need to start a conversation and cultural change in Australia. 

This leads to Alexithymia, the inability to put emotions into words, and affects around 80% of the male population and causes a covert masculine depression evidenced in isolation, substance abuse and violence. It is from this state that explosive violence and one punch attacks occur. 

Learn more about One Punch Wonder by purchasing a copy at our subscription page.