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Summerhall – Anatomy Lecture Theatre
A one-woman show exploring the compromises that creatives must make for their work.Summary
Rating
Excellent
Summerhall’s Anatomy Lecture Theatre is unique with its old wooden seats arranged in tiered rows, forming a horseshoe shape. It provides the perfect intimate space for Yolanda Mercy’s Failure Project. Mercy is Ade, a British Nigerian playwright who encounters setbacks when the performances of her latest show, Day Girl, are about to begin. Her personal life is also unravelling as she struggles to process the death of her best friend.
Mercy switches characters quickly, each demonstrated by different accents and mannerisms. She plays a snobby director and know-all producer who are working on the Day Girl project. What begins as a comical impersonation turns into something serious, as Ade endures numerous uncomfortable conversations with them. They rewrite her script, alter the direction and vision of her work, and decide to replace her as the lead with an influencer with little acting experience because they believe this will sell more tickets.
Mercy’s writing is honest and open, inspiring nuanced discussions, such as when things go awry with Day Girl, who should take accountability? From stunt casting to the exploitation of trauma for profit, Failure Project exposes the harsh realities many working-class Black artists face.
Mercy commands our attention from the very beginning. She walks around the stage, speaking directly and interacting with the audience. The set is bare except for a chair placed in the centre of the stage, surrounded by flowers which serve a dual purpose; not only do they resemble flowers at a grave for Ade’s best friend, but Mercy also encourages audience members to take one and share with other performers at the Fringe.
Different locations are represented well by slight alterations in the lighting. This is a subtle but effective way to convey shifts in scenes. Failure Project also uses soundscapes which are essential to the narrative. The show begins with a voiceover of Ade having a conversation with a virtual assistant on her phone, an amusing and unexpected way to start. Tube sounds, clubbing music and other voiceovers are implemented but it’s sometimes difficult to follow the story as it can be quite disorientating.
Failure Project tells us to know our worth, to not compromise in what we believe in and not to let external pressures affect our artistry. While this is an inspiring concept, for it to become a reality requires a thorough change within the industry first. Mercy’s script is sharp, witty and emotional, and theatre executives should take notice.
Written by: Yolanda Mercy
Co-directed by: Joseph Barnes-Phillips and Yolanda Mercy
Failure Project has completed its run at this year’s EdFringe.
