The first thing you need to know about Live Orgy is that there is no actual orgy – although there may be some simulation role play. The only other thing you really need to know is that Freya Desmarais’ Auckland Pride and Fringe show is both very funny and very thought-provoking, and you should go see it. The one-woman show is about the ridiculousness of the current sex ed system. From condoms on bananas, and Desmarais utterly weirdly being taught to walk in high heels, to how we could better teach crucial issues like consent. The idea for Live Orgy came to her, as most great ideas do, while she was in a river on Jeannette Fitzsimon’s Coromandel farm with Green MP Catherine Delahunty. They had a conversation about just how repressed sex ed is in New Zealand. Desmarais makes a good argument for change, and she does it with a barrel full of humour, from the lit-up clam shell set, to some sick but respectful raps and audience participation that the chosen audience members actually seemed to enjoy. The show is far from the rigidity of a sex ed class. Desmarais is refreshing. The show may be a little rough around the edges, but calling for lines and playing with the audience just adds to its fun, relaxed appeal. Live Orgy needs a roadshow. Surely some kind of pink clam shell minivan could be organised. This gospel needs to be preached, up and down the country, from PTA meetings to National Party conventions. (Maybe with a few less ‘motherf*ckers’ thrown in though. We wouldn’t want anyone to spill their tea). That’s because Freya Desmarais tells the truth. About sex ed AND Beyonce. (Also, while we are making suggestions, we should probably all spend time in a river with Catherine Delahunty.) Live Orgy is at The Basement in Auckland tonight and tomorrow. Grab tickets here. Jacqui Stanford - 10th February 2015