Review: BELINDA, Above The Stag Theatre (Work-in-Progress)
Photo credit: Lee Milton
Bold Mellon describe themselves as “a collective of multidisciplinary artists dedicated to delivering deliciously dynamic art which celebrates underrepresented queer voices”. Their Work-in-Progress show Belinda is an insightful exploration of the lives of two individuals with Queer Imposter Syndrome, and delves into their complex emotional states surrounding their relationships with their own sexual identity.
The story focuses on a tarot reading that friends Rose and Ruby are undertaking at home. We learn about how each has spent their time preceding the event- one protesting to save the local lesbian bar faced with imminent closure, the other spending the day with their new partner. They discuss this amicably enough, with just the slightest suggestion from Ruby that Rose should have also been at the protest, to support both her, and their local bar which means so much to the community.
The piece is written and performed by Amy-Rose Edlyn and Emilia Nurmukhametova, who also play Rose and Ruby respectively. Both characters stories feel incredibly personal, and are told with great passion and authenticity, accompanied by a backdrop of Videography by Youssra Manlaykhaf. While beautiful, this sometimes feels a little jarring to the central plotline, and is occasionally distracting, not really complimenting the powerful dialogue taking place on the stage.
As the narrative moves on, we learn that Ruby is embarking on a relationship with a man, something she is struggling to come to terms with as she has identified- and fought to be recognised- as a lesbian for her entire adult life. Although Rose argues that this doesn’t matter at all, and doesn’t change how they perceive them, Ruby’s conflict is incredibly moving.
Belinda raises some important conversations about sexual and personal identity- and how entwined the two are, and also about the power of collective action. Towards the end of the hour-long show, we learn that the bar is to be sold to developers, thus stirring Rose into action in a last ditch attempt to save the space that has been so important to their community.
This work-in-progress showing reveals some beautifully nuanced ideas, shines a light on an underrepresented phenomenon (Queer Imposter Syndrome), and provokes thought around the concepts of inclusion and belonging.
*** Three stars
Reviewed by: Sarah Brown