John Ernst

Green Group

African Mean Girls Review

Set in Nigeria, the African Mean Girls Play by Jocelyn Bioh, explains the racial divides

in a country and the idea of high school cliques and competition. In the play, a group of girls led

by Paulina, one who frequently bullies them into breaking rules for her, have a change of heart

when exchange student Ericka comes over from America and educates the girls on what America

is really like. Through Ericka, the girls humiliate Paulina and expose all of the lies she has told

them about America, causing Paulina to go friendless before the much anticipated beauty

pageant. At the pageant, the Recruiter chooses Ericka over Paulina because of her hair and

lighter skin, which causes a fight between Ericka and Paulina. Eventually, the two resolve their

issues as the girls watch Ericka in the international pageant, despite her loss.

The play recognizes the racial inequalities of different countries through the comparison

between Ericka and Paulina by the Recruiter, as well as peer pressure in a high school

environment through Paulina and Nana’s relationship. The playwright portrays these ideas quite

well, with both of them connecting to most high schoolers’ experiences. The goal of the

playwright seems to be along the lines of resisting peer pressure and standing up for yourself, as

well as not assuming something of someone because of their race. I think the playwright is

successful in doing this as the audience was captivated by the fierce movements and lines by the

actors. The actors also played a big part in conveying the themes of the play as they utilized the

fourth wall successfully. For example, in the scene where Paulina and Ericka share their

childhood struggles with each other, they use the fourth wall to communicate a melancholy
mood that is reflected in the audience. In another part of the play where the girls sing together for

the Recruiter, they use the fourth wall to show how much they ling of the opportunity to win the

pageant. Another scene that stood out is when Ericka first enters and explains what America is

really like to the girls. The girls frantic movements and smiling faces contrast Paulina’s frowning

face, creating for the effect of disgust and also a bit of jealousy, which kicks off the rivalry

between Ericka and Paulina throughout the play.

One key directing and props choice made was the placement of two picnic tables on the

stage. While they provided a place for characters to sit and gather, they also allowed for the use

of levels, and therefore importance. For example, when Ericka educates the girls about America,

revealing Paulina’s lies, the girls stand on the table while she sits, showing the girls have the

power in that situation. This is an important directorial decision because it changes the plot

completely so that now the girls are above Paulina instead of the other way around. Throughout

the play, various directorial choices and acting choices reflect the themes of racial discrimination

and peer pressure, causing an audience reflecting on how those themes play into our lives today.