Venue (23): Pleasance Dome
Category: Theatre
Times: 11:50am
Dates: Aug 19-25
Stars: ****
Reviewed by Tony Challis
Transphobia. Hermaphrodite experience. Hijra. International homophobia.
These are some of the subjects treated dramatically in this ninety minute show. We begin in a primary school classroom, with the cast becoming teachers, pupils, parents, journalists, with the lightning moves between roles that is one of the trademarks of this very dynamic company, Belarus Free Theatre. I have seen this company a number of times now, and they are never less than impressive. There is an undercurrent in their work of a concern with the links between bad government and sexual repression, between a good civil society and good sex and personal freedom. This show contains reference to the terrible homophobia in many countries, including in their native Belarus which suffers under the last of the Stalinist dictatorships, meaning they have to work in exile.
The opening scenes relate to a real life story of a primary school teacher who decided to transition from male to female over the Christmas holidays, and came back with a new name and identity. There were parental protests, (the innocence of their childrens childhood), this was taken up by some of the red top press, and the end result was suicide.
One of the more striking sections of the show was that relating to Indian hijra, which went into graphic detail about the initiation ceremonies used within this group. There was a very skilful and affecting dance section by a male duo.
The depth of acting skills of this company, its bravura and stunning professionalism cannot be denied. The subjects covered in this show are all ones of great importance and dear to my heart. Yethere there was a great deal of information conveyed. There was so much to be read on the surtitles that, especially early on, it was difficult both to follow the action and read the text. Some of the time it almost felt like a lecture. A very lively and stimulating lecture, with some material new to many of us, I am sure, conveyed by extremely able actors with great physical dexterity. However, I did feel it would have been good if the company could have found ways in at least part of the show of having individual stories told through characters we could see in three dimensions.
As it is, this show, which could be considered ultra Brechtian, left me feeling a little battered. Which is a great pity, as I have great respect for this company, and the topics are of the first importance. There is a great deal to be gained from submitting to the experience on offer here, and I would thoroughly recommend it.
