That’s what it felt like sitting down to watch Maybelline San Juan’s one-woman comedy cabaret, Maybelline is in her Slut Era. It’s a collection of whip-smart observations on modern Australian dating, wrapped in a hot-pink bow of pop-culture references. You’ll laugh, you’ll gasp, and you’ll wanna be her best friend. 

Armed with a microphone and the ever-functional white garter, Maybelline thrusts the audience into her dreamy, romantic and hyper-feminine world. We begin with Maybelline at the tail end of a long-term relationship and follow along as she enters the lion's den of online dating, all while building her career as an emerging artist. The titular ‘Slut Era’ comprised a variety of men and a variety of heartbreak – some Greek, some comedians and some not men at all. The beats of Maybelline’s story range from relatable (being in a relationship that’s not serving you anymore) to hyper-specific (having a gay awakening at Jazz Night while you’re accompanied by a J-named man who owns a 1975 album on vinyl). Punctuating these reminiscences are powerful renditions of classic songs, often by sex symbols throughout time (think Marilyn Monroe’s ‘Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend’, Brittany Spears ‘...Baby One More Time’ and Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Bed Chem’). The use of projections seamlessly work to extend the humour of the production, adding texture to an already strong script. 

Maybelline is in her Slut Era is a masterful reflection of the time. The sexual revolution has been and gone, yet the patriarchy is alive and well, and with the advent of social media, modern courtship is shaped by the unwritten rules of online etiquette. In short, it’s brutal out there. 

So, what’s a girl to do? Well, I’m not quite sure, and neither is Maybelline. But she’s embracing who she is and channelling her experiences into art. Like many romantic heroines, Maybelline wears her heart on her sleeve. She lives bravely and isn’t afraid to be vulnerable and make mistakes. Ultimately, laughter is the best medicine and heartbreak is always good material.

Hilarious, vulnerable and deeply quotable, Maybelline is in her Slut Era is a must-see for anyone who’s ever been on a Hinge date. Be sure to catch the last few shows at Shopfront Arts Co-op in Carlton. 

I just have one more question for Maybelline: where did you get those earrings? 

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Maybelline is in her Slut Era is playing at Shopfront Arts Co-op until 12 April 2025. Tickets can be purchased here.

Presented as part of Shopfront Arts Co-op's ArtsLab: REVERB Festival. Written and performed by Maybelline San-Juan. Mentored by Michelle Brasier ⠀

Images by Lucy Parakhina ⠀