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Camden Fringe
A brilliantly engaging character drama with a good dose of humour to contrast with the serious subject matter of a sex addicts support group. Summary
Rating
Excellent
Nymphomaniac Anonymous is a fascinating window into the range of personalities attending the support meetings of Sex Addicts Anonymous, where we learn that addiction can take a range of forms and have different underlying causes. The set is well designed to reflect the hired community hall setting, with mismatched chairs, equipment left behind from other users, and a welcoming table full of drinks and snacks.
The characters are all compelling and brilliantly acted and remain so throughout the time we share with them over multiple meetings. We open with Milan (Sule Thelwell) sat by himself and getting ready to leave if nobody else arrives. Milan is at first uninterested as he is only attending at the behest of his concerned brother, but with a lot of self-denial about his need for support. It’s not long before others arrive to join him. Businessman K (Rick Toynton), whois interrupted every time he tries to give his full name, is seemingly the most mature, committed to his understanding wife and children, but we quickly learn that this foundation is about to crack. Laura (Eliza Ammann) is charming as she puts on a friendly persona to hide her pain and stress. Nia (Valeria Suaste who is also writer and producer) is initially shy and awkward and a little too enthusiastic for details from the others; uncovering her motives for attendance is an interesting plot point. The sessions are managed by therapist Alex (Es McLean) who is professionally encouraging of them all to be non-judgemental as they listen and learn from each other’s experiences. Alex also has personal problems to manage as their own relationship is strained.
As writer, Suaste, has created a very believable dynamic which unfolds naturally over the course of time. When they first meet, the characters behave as strangers, hesitant to share too much, learning the boundaries of when to listen, ask questions or show support, and are more challenging of Alex’s experience and motivations in guiding them through the sessions. As they progress through sessions together, they develop a more relaxed, supportive and friendly rapport, with easy banter and jokes between them. As the group becomes more comfortable sharing their lives and reasons for attending, we learn of tragic histories and insecurities they need to overcome. It is most revealing when characters get to express their private inner thoughts, as the speaker is illuminated whilst the rest of the cast freezes, which is well visualised by lighting design by Cansu Ezgi Ince and implemented by technician Conor Costelloe.
As producer, Suaste has worked with Director Cansu Ezgi Ince and co-producer/ assistant director Salimata Sow to give the best possible presentation to support the story and actors. They very wisely discard the aspects of realism which would hinder the storytelling and creatively work around these. In a real group meeting, the chairs would be placed in a circle with attendees facing each other, which would block the audience’s view. Therefore, the chairs are placed facing the audience, so we can see the range of emotions from the actors, especially the more subtle looks they give each other as dynamics are established between them. To maintain the momentum, the time jumps between meetings are cleverly represented by small and quickly implemented changes, Laura wears a new scarf and K switches ties.
This is a fully engaging drama, brilliantly brought to life by the cast, as they support, challenge and argue with each other. Revelations are made about the characters’ behaviours and their motivations for seeking assistance, not always successfully. The lessons they learn through self-acceptance of their struggles are fascinating to hear.
Written and produced by: Valeria Suaste
Directed and dramaturgy by: Cansu Ezgi Ince
Co-produced and assistant director: Salimata Sow
Lighting design by: Cansu Ezgi Ince
Intimacy Coordination by: Neetika Knight
Tech by: Conor Costelloe
Nymphomaniac Anonymous has completed its run at Camden Fringe.
