“A heartwarming depiction of trans adolescence, told with an inventive flair“
Rose Cooghan’s debut play Rose + Bud navigates the complex path to self acceptance which trans youth face extremely effectively. Protagonists Rose (Rose Cooghan) and Bud (Conor Cupples) are a dynamic and instantly likable pair, forming an inventive double act who represent the dual aspects of Rose’s blossoming trans identity. Both actors also multirole impressively throughout, introducing us to eccentric university lecturers, cool new friends and a whole host of repulsive teenage boys. A standout character was Rose’s comically paranoid yet adoring mother, played beautifully by both actors at different moments. In a political landscape where trans youth face so much hostility, it felt both necessary and uplifting to see a parental figure, a paranoid Northern Irish one at that, get allyship and unconditional love so effortlessly right.
It is a tall order to compress a semi-autobiographical exploration of honouring trans identity in just 5o minutes. Cooghan writes admirably, her dialogue always witty and engaging, affording empathetic insights into her characters’ interiority. Yet at times, the play lingers too long on subplot, an underwritten romance between Rose’s new uni friends, somewhat neglected half way through the play, is one example. This meant Rose + Bud’s handling of heavier themes such as alcohol abuse, assault and depression weren’t always given the pauses they deserved. The play didn’t summon the intensity of emotion its content and skilled performers are certainly capable of; this hurtling through a dense plot without time to process is perhaps why.
Nevertheless, its pace was representative of the whirlwind that is moving away from home, starting uni and finally grappling with who you are, or who you could be. Rose + Bud is an encouraging story which platforms trans experiences with tenderness and power, and offers a hopeful message of reconciling divided identities. While there is room for development, this is a show which absolutely deserves to be seen.
Show Listing: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/rose-bud
LISTINGS INFORMATION
Rose+Bud
Venue:Bunker One, Pleasance Courtyard
Dates and times: 30th July-25th August, (not 11th, 12th Aug) @13:00 (60 min)
Tickets: From £9.00