A powerful, immersive storytelling experience exploring the lasting impacts of colonialism through indigenous women’s voices.
After tackling the stories of underrepresented women in her previous Edinburgh Fringe shows (Frida Kahlo: Viva La Vida!, Camille Claudel and The Other), writer and performer Gaël Le Cornec has turned the lens upon her own heritage and the indigenous women of the Amazon.
Our protagonist, Gayara, is a Brazilian woman live streaming the stories of her ancestors from her friend’s flat as she awaits her British citizenship. We are taken on a historical journey in this one-woman masterpiece as Gayara educates the audience on the reality of past atrocities and the continued impact today. The show tackles themes of colonialism and climate justice as we hear from the indigenous female voices that are so often silenced in history.
Gaël’s masterful mixed media performance uses visuals, sound and costume to create an all-encompassing experience. Her heart wrenching tales of indigenous women’s experiences are interspersed with comedy as she receives phone calls from her numerous aunts. The lasting impacts of colonialism are laid bare as we hear not only about the indigenous people who fought as their lands were claimed by Europeans, but also the women who are still fighting for their forest today. I especially enjoyed the musical parts of the show where Gayara sings Amazonian song extracts and would have loved to have seen more of that throughout.
This is a beautiful and poignant piece that opens up conversations about the voices we value in history and the stories that are lost to time. I would recommend this show to anyone who is looking for a real and raw performance that tells a very important story.
Amazons is at the Edinburgh Fringe until 25th August at Summerhall. Buy your tickets here: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/amazons