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Camden Fringe 2023
A committed, boundary-pushing and ambitious debut production that harnesses the potential of theatre as a transformative force.Summary
Rating
Excellent
Semblance of a Woman is an enigmatic piece of devised theatre that skillfully melds dance, breath, mythology – all in an intimate one-room set. At the heart of the story are the endearing personas of Peggy (portrayed by the skilled Emma Chatel) and Gaia (brought into existence by the enthralling Helen Baird). They are expertly orchestrated by the joint direction of Reya Muller and Isabelle Tyner, and further enhanced by the artistic touch of designer Hana Sofia.
As Peggy awakens from a restless slumber each day, her journey unfolds within a meticulously crafted space, adorned with pillows, throws, and a teddy bear. Yet within this carefully constructed tableau an undeniable emptiness lingers. Peggy’s existence takes an unexpected turn when the enigmatic Gaia emerges from a space under her bed that is filled with messy clothes and haunting memories. A delicate dance of claiming (and re-claiming) identities ensues as Chatel and Baird skillfully navigate the vulnerability and absurdity of their characters’ situations.
The play utilises a stop/start narrative structure which works in its favour for the most part, inviting audiences to actively fill in the gaps, and leaving them captivated by the subtle flashes between both characters. My only criticism is I felt the play fell short of establishing a seamless narrative architecture that could thoroughly explore the intricacies of these characters. I found myself yearning for a bit more time inbetween the gaps.
The production also utilises music and film clips, injecting vibrant hues into the story’s tapestry and evoking passionate study of love and anxiety. It is true that queer narratives often bear the weight of adversity and Semblance of a Woman fearlessly confronts this reality. However, its culmination is marked by an inspiring and optimistic note, instilling a sense of hope within the audience; adeptly harnessing the power of theatre for positive change.
This marks a promising start for Low Door Productions, a predominantly queer, female collective. Devised using a non-hierarchical approach, Semblance of a Woman defies the constraints of traditional theatrical norms, inviting audiences into an exploration of identity, love, and the essence of individuality that is untouched by the patriarchy.
Written by: Helen Baird, Emma Chatel, Reya Muller and Kelly Thurston
Directed by: Reya Muller, Isabelle Tyner, Emma Chatel, Helen Baird
Produced by: Reya Muller, Isabelle Tyner
Dramaturgy by: Kelly Thurston
Costume Design by: Hana Sofia
Semblance of a Woman has completed its current run as part of Camden Fringe.
