Fringe World 2018: Mandurah drama teacher promotes body confidence

Kellee Aberg and her friend from Geraldton Rosie Sitorus will perform Fat Girls in Bike Shorts in the Circus Theatre at Fringe Central.

Show co-director and Mandurah resident Kellee said the show was developed in Mandurah and Geraldton. 

“It’s the third year we have done Fat Girls in Bike Shorts,” she said. 

“The Mandurah Performing Arts Centre gave us a lot of support initially and helped us to premiere the show in 2016.”

In 2016 the show received four stars for performances at the Adelaide Fringe Festival and completely sold-out at Fringe World last year in Perth and Mandurah.

Kellee and Rosie met in Kalgoorlie in Kmart, fighting over a pair of bike shorts, Kellee said. 

“We wanted them to combat ‘chafing’,” she said. 

“We have always been the bigger girls in life and we want to share that experience and encourage people to love who they are.

“We tell the story in a comedic way through song and dance.”

Read More:

Kellee said she struggled with body confidence growing up.

“Most women do struggle –  you see Dolly (magazine) and you think that’s what you are meant to look like,” she said. 

“I didn’t come to the revelation as a teen that we are all different.”

Show co-creator Rosie Sitorus said the show had developed with time.

​“It’s a different show this year in many aspects,” she said.

“We have grown as performers and characters, so you can expect a lot of new work and new songs – we’ve definitely come full circle.

“We want to emphasise that our show is for everyone regardless of your body type.

There are parts throughout that everyone can relate to.”

This year, Fat Girls in Bike Shorts will be in Perth at the Circus Theatre at Fringe Central on February 13 to 18, and in Geraldton at the Cargo Hold at Funtavia on February 9.

Tickets are from $15 and are available online at www.fringeworld.com.au.