Issy Cory
How do you tell a story about manhood in a way that is not two-dimensional? In a way that doesn’t mimic the same concepts that have been staged at the Fringe before? That is not primarily concerned with violence, toxicity and how the world is seemingly failing young men? You do it just like how Kickdrum does it with Heart Beats Strong.
What’s wonderful about Heart Beats Strong is the breadth of story, the way in which multiple narratives are discussed and how all aspects of masculinity are tackled. Rarely do you get to see relationships between young men and their mother figures explored in such detail alongside massively complex issues regarding race, fatherhood, and queerness.
The physicality of the show is it’s stand-out element. Exerting, highly expressive choreography shapes this piece into a highly creative one As the ensemble‘s bodies are flung around the stage, we reflect on how society pulls these young men in so many different directions as they desperately try to find grounding.
In a similar vein, the various narrative directions are also the show’s weakness. Heart Beats Strong spans a large timeline, all the way from Year Seven up to the characters’ eighteenth birthdays. It feels as though a compacting of this timeline is needed in order to focus on the show’s strongest elements.
It would also have been beneficial to tie the solo narratives together in a more fulsome way, rather than having such disparate parts. This, combined with some sticky transitions meant the pacing wasn’t as slick as the piece deserves. Integrating the choreography more, and using soundtracking to assist with going from one chapter to the next would give Heart Beats Strong the sophisticated lift that it needs.
That is to say, the script has many beautiful moments and explores each perspective with the care and diligence they deserve. Kickdrum tell these stories with tenderness and commitment.
Due to some unfortunate technical restrictions to the performance, the team used some make-do-and-mend enforcements (torches are go!) to keep the show going. One can only marvel at the tenacity of this theatre company, and their willingness to persevere despite the barriers.
Kickdrum show fantastic promise, and a bravery to tackle a well-trodden topic. It is thrilling to catch them at what is a strong starting point in their creative careers
Recommended Drink: Tequila shots everyone!
You can catch Heart Beats Strong at Pleasance Courtyard from August 26-31 at 12:20 (55 mins). Tickets are available via the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Lola Rose Wood
Em Tambree
Frankie Finsbury
