Exceptional performance fuses with exceptional production design in Samantha Ipema’s confronting production
This semi-autobiographical piece begins with a montage of memories, nostalgically recounting sibling games, school friends and football matches. Sam Ipema draws in the audience with ease, delivering a disarmingly candid and direct performance. She makes it easy for us to believe her every word, yet cleverly counters this instinct by allowing small TV screens scattered across the stage to betray her by telling an alternate truth. This tension between the story we want for ourselves and the one we must actually face is handled sensitively throughout, as Sam is forced to reconcile her self image with one that takes her uninvited friend, Annie the brain aneurysm, into account.
The decision to personify Sam’s aneurysm was surprising, as Annie (Eleanor House) storms onto the stage, demanding attention in a glittery blazer and belting impressive karaoke. Both co-stars are extremely strong performers, swiftly establishing a strained dynamic where each voice must compete for attention, disrupting the identity and stability of their counter. The dark comedic tone which underscores Dear Annie, I Hate You ensures that the audience must confront the harsh reality of a life disrupted by traumatic medical event even if the characters we watch can’t quite manage it yet.
The interaction between technology and performance is a certain highlight and one that consistently enriches the writing. Pleasance two is an excellent venue and this production uses it to its fullest potential. A standout moment was the broadcasting of a real brain surgery onstage with medically accurate description, making real and undeniable this lifechanging event which our protagonist previously tries to ignore. This show platforms the underrepresented experience of living with a brain aneurysm with empathy, clarity and generous openness- it is a must see!
Show listing: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/dear-annie-i-hate-you