Issy Cory
The Fringe has seen its fair-share of discussions of parenthood, the ‘to be or not to be’ of rearing children, and the complex dilemmas that result. But none of them dive as deep as The Dreaming. As shoulds, woulds, coulds emerge, they do so through in a vibrantly creative manner, championed by solo performer Althea Young.
Laid atop her corrugated plastic bed, Young takes the plunge into every facet of the baby conundrum with a twisted tongue. Babies taunt her in the street, the man she thought would join her on the journey tragically disappoints, and outside the four walls of her bedroom the world threatens to destroy whatever purity she ventures to bring into it.
The Dreaming is meticulously crafted. Isaac Orson Phillips’ pinpoint sound design adds an impressive flair to Young’s performance, as playful as it is haunting. Paired with Libby Brogan’s smart lighting design, the entire production has a grandiosity despite its confined play space. In a show about an otherworldly dream state, this combination works brilliantly.
Young’s script and performance are both feats of both poetic prowess and intense physical ability. So easy would it have been to fall into a dark pit of self flagellation, yet Young drives the pure performative aspect of this spectacle. Wild movement sequences create sparks against intimate moments, all the while winning us back with comedic interludes.
Characterisation is key in any solo show, and with clever live sound mixing, Young inhabits the strange creatures that dwell within The Dreaming with aplomb, pushing us to the edges of our disbelief, albeit occasionally pushing us over it. It is a synthesis of surreal activity and highly visual language, with a massively discussed topic at its core.
To those in conversations of fertility, The Dreaming is a profound comment on all the feelings that encircle pregnancy – and not just the acceptable ones. As Young speaks thoughts aloud that many would shield away, the level playing field is formed, and we are relieved to know that someone shares in our uncertainty, our fear, and our shame.
Young’s piece is commendable, not just for its essential commentary, but for its ambition and its flair. To be so brave and so bold is to put yourself firmly out there, and thank the gods Althea Young did.
Recommended Drink: It would be crass to mention the liquid that was mentioned frequently in this show. Let’s just say lemonade.
You can catch The Dreaming at Summerhall from August 22-31 at 13:30 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Lamesha Ruddock
Oli Fuller
