“a fast paced flurry of turmoil and activity that represents relocation and disruption”
This contemporary theatre piece is bizarre and I’m not sure if I mean that in a good way. I am sitting on the fence about this play so I will let you readers decide whether you would wish to see the following play based on my below observations. Taking place in contemporary London on a mysterious journey to a “better place”, we are shown the struggles of a recently arrived migrant during a TfL travel breakdown caused by a whale on the tracks . With a short run-time of just an hour this play is fast paced, full of hilarious slapstick, odd contemporary dance moves and the occasional TfL announcement remix and accompanying dance number. These do SLAP if I say so myself. This play certainly keeps one engaged, if a little confused, at times.
Gabriela Flarys portrays an ever changing ambiguous character that works to represent the story of a recently arrived migrant to London. We see Flarys flit from Romanian, Italian, Greek and Brazilian throughout the journey to encompass the fact that this is a shared narrative – experienced by migrants throughout the city and the world. Along this telling journey to “a better place” wherever that may be, we meet some interesting characters such as the Greek Windbreaker (Flarys’s hand in a jacket) and the mole-like German (Flarys in a fluffy hood and goggles). These characters help us understand the struggle of being a migrant in a different place. As if that’s not hard enough, they are faced with the impossible task of navigating a world of transport chaos and grumpy Brits.
Something I really enjoyed about the play is the explosive energy of the one woman extravaganza that is Gabriela Flarys, from the very opening scenes she brought compelling energy to that stage with only herself and a few props that would fit in her suitcase. One scene that particularly stood out to me is the one that looks to show the struggle of leaving behind everything you know. Everything you once had and cherished is no longer accessible to you and you can only move forward hoping that when you finally reach this “better place “ it will provide some comfort. Within this was the message of recreating oneself after a change or travesty and how change can represent hope. Flarys did a great job of showcasing this, to bring out the better empathetic nature of humans.
Furthermore, this play works hard to discreetly showcase human nature both good and bad. On one hard the public came out on mass to keep this animal wet and alive- a true show of community, humanity and compassion, whereas simultaneously on the other hand the new stories broadcasted about the incident blamed the whale for “jumping on the tracks” as if it wasn’t the human species fault for the rising sea levels and infrastructure.
However whilst bits of this bizarre play relayed a meaningful message, some of it felt unnecessary or like it missed its mark. There were many points in this play which felt like a gap for laughter, yet most of the time I didn’t want to laugh out loud. Whether this was intentional or not – it felt a bit disjointed. Furthermore some scenes felt drawn out and unnecessary – like hanging up shirts to display weather. It often felt like the play was grasping at a message but not quite hitting the mark.
Overall, I would recommend this play and tell people to go with an open mind and heart. It does somewhat reflect on current political and climate struggles in a meaningful way whilst being entertaining. Whilst I was unsure about it, someone else may find it riveting – as is always the case. All I will say is – if you are in the front scenes maybe bring an umbrella lest you want to end your night in a shower of spit water.
There She Is is playing at Omnibus Theatre until September 3rd.