Lamesha Ruddock
I’ve never laughed so hard at a show as well as look away: a DL trade future is not something I’d wish onto anyone.
This was a hilarious, jam-packed show introspectively and culturally asking “why are you gay?”, providing an honest reality of a Nigerian gay man in Glasgow.
So that we’re clear, DL is Down Low and trade is a masculine-presenting, straight-identifying man who engages in same-sex sexual encounters. Undetectable to gaydars.
DL trades are rife in Edinburgh, so how does a proud gay man desire connection whilst navigating these relationships in the shadows, whilst remaining in the shadows of his family. How do you stop yourself sounding exactly like your mother to your future children? It starts by treating yourself with kindness. How can anyone love you, if you can’t love yourself?
Diary of a DL Trade exposes Louis’s alternative future where he’s married to an Irish woman and must live his life as a DL trade. Here, he reminisces on his explorations from comedy slots, poetry slams, meditation sessions, wedding anniversary speeches, all woven together by his diary entries.
The prop use is intentional, from a belt that stings the surrounding furniture, to a bottle of colourful pills that becomes a crutch for numbness for Louis, to a wine glass and teaspoon to gather live sonic attention on stage.
To put it bluntly, Louis Utieyin is an absolute star! His ability to command and riff off the audience is masterful. Utieyin launches the show with the homophobic vitriol he’s been indoctrinated in, melting into his bouncy, cheeky, loving self as he reads from his rainbow fluffy diary, a place in his life where he gets to be true to himself.
A razor sharp exploration of how DL culture can consume you, Diary of A DL Trade says the quiet part out loud. If we’re not living our truest lives, what world are we building for ourselves and each other?
Recommended Drink: Disaronno and Cranberry Juice. Tastes just like a Cherry Bakewell. My favourite.
You can catch Diary of A DL Trade at PBH’s Free Fringe @ Carbon (Room 1) until August 18th at 17:55 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Jessica Lia Berry
