Sally Wainwright, the creator of the acclaimed series Happy Valley, found herself grappling with the isolating experience of menopause. In response, she crafted a bold and rebellious BBC drama, 'Riot Women', that challenges societal norms. The series revolves around five women navigating the complexities of midlife, forming a rock band to channel their frustrations and rage against life's injustices. This group of women, led by Beth, played by Joanna Scanlan, represents a generation of women who feel unseen and burdened by the responsibilities of family, career, and aging parents.
The trailer sets the tone, with Beth's powerful statement, 'Don't you ever feel like you're living in an alternative universe? Where women of a certain age become invisible.' But the show goes beyond this initial premise. It explores the multifaceted challenges women face during menopause, including the care of aging parents, marital issues, and the struggles of adult children. Here's where it gets personal and controversial: Sally reveals her own experience, questioning the notion that menopause is solely about hot flashes and mood swings. She highlights the impact on one's sense of self, stating, 'You lose sight of who you are... it suddenly all disappears.'
And this is the part that might surprise you: The cast, including Joanna Scanlan, Tamsin Greig, and Lorraine Ashbourne, had to learn their instruments from scratch to portray their characters authentically. This journey of learning and performing as a band becomes a metaphor for the women's empowerment and the joy of reclaiming their identities. The show aims to shatter stereotypes and initiate crucial conversations about menopause, HRT, and its effects on women and their families. But is it enough to just talk about it? Riot Women is a call to action, a riot against the silence and invisibility that women often face during this transformative phase of life.
