Two pieces of performance art that reflect bigotry in its various guises: racism in The Adoption Papers and the role of women in the 1950s in The Other.

The Adoption Papers

The Adoption Papers is based on an autobiographical poem by Jackie Kay. It's a mix of drama and dance, so there is dialogue to help the viewer. It's a tale of a mixed-race baby who is adopted by a white family. The story is told through the three women involved – Birth Mother (Sophie O'Neill), Adoptive Mother (Katie Laverty) and Daughter (Rhiannon Gibbons).

Shunned and despised by her peers, the Birth Mother has no alternative but to put her baby up for adoption, but throughout her life there is always the ghost of her daughter; the fear that she might turn up. The Adoptive Mother is always there for her daughter, and has to deal with racism, and with the awkward questions from her daughter. She asks nothing for her love except to be loved in return. The Daughter wants to know why she is different, why her skin is black, who her real mother is. The consequences of her wanting to know her blood, where she came from, and her birth mother are moving.

There are twelve in the group. The timing of the dance sequences is impeccable, with strength and stamina from the performers. There are moments when it is difficult to follow what is being said, as voices are not projected, especially when the music is fading in or out. It is an endearing piece of theatre, but it is Rhiannon Gibbons who captures the audience with her charming, wide-eyed innocence, which is reflected in her speech.

The Adoption Papers - Cast Credits: (alpha order): Dancers: Beth Corkish - Young Daughter. Hazel Doherty - The Grandmother. Rhiannon Gibbons - The Daughter. Katie-Mairi King - The Bully. Katie Laverty - The Adoptive Mother. Isla Macer-Law - Chorus. Hazel McCheyne - Chorus. Mairi McNichol - The Auntie. Sophie O'Neill - The Birth Mother. Katie Sharp - Chorus. Zoe Thomson - The Dad and The Teacher. Caroline Williamson - Chorus.

The Adoption Papers - Company Credits: Writer - Jackie Kay. Director - Marcus Roche. Dance Artist - Kirsty Wallace. Drama Artist - Marcus Roche. Music - Marcus Roche & Kirsty Wallace. Costume - Cast. Technician - Andrew Paul. Producer - Marcus Roche. Company - MYDC in association with macrobert.

The Other

The Other is set in the 1950s. A woman (Cat Casbon) is dressed in a floral outfit with a straw hat. A man (Martin Robinson) is in a khaki uniform. The dancing is more classical, but still with a contemporary edge. There are sections when they dance solo and as a duo, but it isn't very clear what The Other is about. The dancing is slick and professional, but doesn't convey a story or a meaning. What is the significance of the twitching right arm and hand? It's too long and with no reference point. What the hell is it all about?

The Other - Cast Credits: (alpha order): Dancers: Cat Casbon. Martin Robinson.

The Other - Company Credits: Choreographer - Martin Robinson. Assistant Choreographer - Cat Casbon. Music - Ross McRae. Costume - Jessica Brettie. Lighting - Andrew Paul. Producer - uncredited. Company - Martial Dance.

END

(c) Lea Harris 2008

reviewed Wednesday 6 August 08 / Rocket@Demarco Roxy Art House

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com