Fringe festivals often have a lot of shows where performers talk about themselves. The theatre of personal testimony seems to suit the usual parameters of fringe: low tech, minimal set, short running time, niche audiences.
Theatre of personal testimony is also indicative of our current cultural focus on untold stories, of our belief that there are demographics within our population who have been silenced and now must be allowed a voice.
Whale, written and performed by Courtney McManus, speaks of fatness. She tells of the prejudices faced by people larger than average: supposed friends who unnecessarily and patronisingly compare her to Rebel Wilson; shop assistants who give unwanted advice; doctors who fail to listen and see only the issue of weight.
I say ‘tell’, but the first two thirds of this production is definitely ‘show’. McManus interacts with recorded voiceovers. Sometimes these encounters are sadly amusing. At other times they are damning evidence of the lack of empathy we have for those who differ from some supposed norm. McManus’s performance is always engaging (though some of the voiceover performances are a little flat; though perhaps that’s the point.)
In the last third, we get less showing and more telling as McManus claims her own identity. I wish the focus had remained on showing (though I acknowledge this is perhaps an illogical wish when the piece is about the performer finding her own voice.)
Identity is a funny concept. It clearly serves the purpose of giving individuals a sense of stability and certainty in the vast, tumultuous ocean of humanity. (McManus evocatively compares suffering prejudice to being dumped over and over by the surf.) But, in so far as identity offers stability and certainty, it is a denial of complexity and change.
This sort of first person theatre is fascinating for its silences; its truth-telling is narrative-building. The story you need to tell yourself will not necessarily satisfy me. I wanted to know more: more about the impact of intergenerational trauma; more about the health consequences of weight; more about body acceptance and sexuality. This is a powerful and provocative piece, and my curiosity is one proof of that.
The sharing of personal experiences was once the province of churches and self-help groups. It’s fun to theorise why this particular form is growing in popularity in theatre. But sociological interpretation aside, this show, standing alone, is a generous-hearted invitation to empathy and understanding, and an inspiring paean to resilience.
Paul Gilchrist
Whale by Courtney McManus
at the Emerging Artist Sharehouse, Erskineville, as part of the Sydney Fringe
until 30 September
Theatre Red 