working title - AMAZEMENT

Belarus Free Theatre finished their month long residency at Dartington's Space studios with a performance of their work-in-progress last night. (I guess everything honest is a work-in-progress, but it seemed incredibly tight and strongly delivered to me). The tickets were free - free performances being an aspect of the accessibility to the arts this troupe are committed to- and something i appreciate massively- being skint and under-cultured... :-)

The show was AMAZING. Working-titled 'The Third Sex', and performed as 'Merry Christmas Ms Meadows', the play explored and exposed issues around 'trans' and other sexual identities, from a multitude of viewpoints - the script was a mix of  personal experience of the cast and first-hand report from news and other sources.

The cast of 12 covered stories from as many perspectives- stereotypes became human- social norms beastly. The show was a whirlwind (including the best male male duet physical theatre I've have seen in years- superb). Using tabloid shock tactics, poetry, medical description and childhood storytelling alongside prison, fearless romance, courtroom drama, philosophy and Greek myth, this play made sexual 'difference' a shared experience of humankind through a deft multi-cultured weave.  

 In Belarus 'deviation' from sexual / family 'norms' is a punishable offence - challenging this kind of government ruling by portraying alternative views and voices through theatre is one of the reasons the Belarus Free Theatre directors cannot return home, for fear of imprisonment and worse.

The whole performance was in Russian language (with subtitles projected onto the large studio wall backdrop )- a phonically beautiful (fluid, musical) aspect of the performance which reminded me throughout of the essential value of this kind of work- rather than disengaging for a spot of entertainment, this show presented a dynamic, humourous, poignant act of recognition and celebration for those less able to freely express themselves, not only through the complications of their sexual orientation, but through their culture and country. 

This show was made here in 'safe' Britain, but then is toured internationally and imported home or shared via the internet with Belorusians and others-

an apple... self-awareness it's a cost

AMAZING - thanks Ariane Delaunois for the interview you made with the Belarus Free Theatre, thanks Dartington for pushing forward Leonard and Dorothy Elmhirst's legacy of supporting fringe and truly groundbreaking artists,

and thanks Belarus Free Theatre for making such important work.