Among the best new writing of this year’s Fringe – Ross Watt shines and everybody should be there to see it happen
Ross Watt, in collaboration with Beth Sitek and the Camden People’s Theatre, has created a sharply observed and brilliantly executed new play, boldly titled Trans People Are Awful. Yet this is not simply a provocative marketing tactic, rather, Watt’s title is representative of the fearlessness that translates into his exploratory performance style. Trans People Are Awful moves with a meticulously handled pace, where every word has been thoroughly considered and every sequence delves purposefully beyond the obvious, bringing new angles to an extremely live subject matter. What results is a mercurial, unpredictable play that is entertaining and eye-opening in equal measure.
Trans People Are Awful follows Man (Ross Watt) as he resorts to murdering problematic cis men to supply ‘real’ male body parts for his transition. Watt is a remarkably controlled performer with impressive versatility, which he showcases both onstage and within his script, blending poetic, sci-fi and darkly comic styles into a beautiful hybrid. Props and staging are used to shockingly graphic effect, a visual treat for any fans of body horror.
Yet, within this frequently grotesque play, Watt has carved out room for real earnestness, somber reflection and urgent realisations. The heart of this piece draws us away from sensationalism and towards acknowledging the dangers of isolation, pressure to conform, medical neglect and scapegoating. With well-judged explicitness, Watt draws a parallel between his character’s satirically awful behaviour and the reputation this garners him of being a direct threat to others and taking what isn’t his. This is hugely effective in encouraging reflection on the disproportionate and dangerous hatred channelled towards the trans community, whose realities are of course not harming anyone, despite an insidious intent from certain political agendas to make this appear the case.
I was extremely impressed by this show, from the writing, to the performance, to the production design, everything was ambitious and effectively delivered. Ross Watt is somebody I will be keeping a very close eye on and I would encourage any fans of excellent new work to do the same.
Show Listing: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/trans-people-are-awful
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: Bunker One at Pleasance Courtyard
Dates: Aug 5th -31st (exl. 17th)
Time: 15:20 (60 mins)
Ticket prices: £14.50 / concessions £13.50
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / http://www.edfringe.com
Suitable for 16+