[Many thanks to Peter Jordens for bringing this item to our attention.] Reiss Smith (The Pink Information) opinions Splintered, a queer Caribbean cabaret present written and directed by London/Trinidadian Emily Aboud. Smith writes, “Splintered explores the challenges of being LGBTQ+ within the Caribbean whereas revelling in unadulterated queer pleasure.” Splintered is on stage till April 29, 2023 on the Soho Theatre Important Home, 21 Dean Avenue, London. See extra data and extra evaluation under.
Throughout the Caribbean, LGBTQ+ individuals are made to really feel unloved, undesirable and unsafe. In lots of nations there are harsh legal guidelines which may see homosexual individuals put in jail – in all instances, these legal guidelines have been instigated by British colonisers.
Splintered makes the case that that is patently ridiculous. In spite of everything, a lot of Caribbean tradition feels inherently queer – not least carnival, with all its colors, costumes and frivolity within the face of oppression.
Splintered leans deeply into the spirit of carnival. Carried out by a trio of gifted younger actors, it’s a cabaret that’s each intensely humorous and deeply political. Issues kick off with one of many trio pouring a shot of Wrap and Nephew right into a moon cup, to symbolise that they’re the MC. From there, it’s a fast-paced journey via sketches, song-and-dance numbers (together with a relatably homosexual remodeling of “Cell Block Tango”) and verbatim items replaying the voices of queer girls from Trinidad and Tobago.
There’s lots ache in these tales – from experiences of popping out and unrequited like to being made to really feel unsafe in your individual house. There are additionally some necessary questions raised: why, a long time after independence, is homophobia nonetheless so rife throughout the Caribbean? Why is it that so many can recall Sean Paul’s greatest hits, however do not know of the historical past of slavery within the Caribbean? However writer-director Emily Aboud does a powerful job of balancing this with unadulterated queer pleasure – whereas this is a crucial present, protecting necessary subjects, it’s additionally extremely cathartic and overflowing with hope. As we’re advised in the direction of the tip of the present, it’s about resisting and rebelling, discovering gentle regardless of the darkness.
For unique evaluation, see https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/04/19/splintered-review-soho-theatre
[Photo above by Harry Elletson: Yolanda Ovide in Splintered.]
Assessment: “Splintered”, Soho Theatre
Livvy Perrett, West Finish Finest Buddy, April 21, 2023
https://www.westendbestfriend.co.uk/information/review-splintered-soho-theatre
Splintered
Written and directed by Emily Aboud
Age Advice: 16+
Operating time: 1 hour quarter-hour
Via April 29, 2023
Soho Theatre Important Home, 21 Dean Avenue, London, W1D 3NE
https://sohotheatre.com/reveals/splintered-2
See extra on the director at https://www.emilyaboud.com/