Synopsis

A bedroom in Dublin, where a young woman recounts her turbulent journey through adolescence and early adulthood.

Sinéad, a vibrant but troubled young woman, delivers a raw and unflinching monologue about her experiences with sexuality, eating disorders, and mental health. As she speaks to her deceased friend Róisín, Sinéad revisits pivotal moments in her life, from awkward sexual encounters to her struggles with bulimia and the devastating loss of her friend to anorexia.

Hanly’s play is a brutally honest and darkly comedic exploration of female sexuality, body image, and mental health. The stream-of-consciousness style mirrors Sinéad’s frenetic energy and fragmented psyche, while the frank discussions of sex and bodily functions challenge societal taboos. Through Sinéad’s interactions with the memory of Róisín, the play examines themes of friendship, guilt, and the long-lasting impact of trauma. “Purple Snowflakes and Titty Wanks” offers a searing critique of the pressures faced by young women in contemporary Ireland, blending moments of outrageous humor with devastating emotional revelations.