Astronomically heartbreaking
Float, from F-Bomb Theatre, is an autobiographical play from writer and performer Indra Wilson, enveloping the topic of pregnancy loss in a tale of an astronaut, whose solo mission is not one destined for success.
Set upon a darkly-lit stage, we’re immersed in Indra’s world, regaling us of stories from their wannabe-astronaut youth, and then as they meet ‘NASA’ with whom Indra bonds and considers a teammate, and after a lot of vigorous training, Indra finds themselves called up for a mission, and how it unravels for them, leaving them adrift in painful isolated space, until they are grounded once again.
We’re peppered with soundbites and visuals from their other astronauts, deftly woven into Indra’s story – an interview panel with the Apollo 11 crew, a ticker tape parade celebrating them, and a haunting clip of President Reagan’s address following the Challenger explosion. Their shiny space suit, lit-up helmet and fog machine, among planet lanterns, all add to the immersive effect.
Whilst being a deeply poignant topic, there are also elements of levity – a strong streak of self-deprecating humour and physical comedy really round out the engaging and likeable character of Indra. However, the strength of Indra really comes from their defiant and fiery outbursts, full of pain and the sheer injustice of their situation – the scars they carried in contrast to the carefree NASA, the judgement of being a young solo traveller in space, and being unworthy of the spacesuit, because Indra’s mission didn’t meet with success. We see Indra cast adrift in isolation, shunning those who remain in their life, floating in limbo, before reuniting with women who form Indra’s team, and help them touch down again.
Indra’s performance is superb – the raging and heart-rending torrent from upon a stepladder is particularly a masterful and emotive call-to-action, drawing deep gulps and a few shaky sniffs from those around me, trying in vain to hold back tears.
Float is a unique piece of theatre which is utterly bewitching in its production and performance. I haven’t been able to stop telling people about it – so here’s your mission: make sure you see Float this Fringe.
Float runs until 25 August, at 18:00 at the Gilded Balloon. Tickets are available from the following link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/float