| Jo Fong Directs at the Edinburgh Fringe |
A Brief History of Difference |
| Das Clarks , Summerhall- Former Women's Locker Room , August 25, 2024 |
The description read: “Being different is a complicated business. It can be exciting, distressing, temporary, permanent, liberating, dangerous, painful, a cause for celebration. It's about bodies and language, memories and labels, perceptions and assumptions, acceptance and resistance. “Join DAR, a queer, neurodivergent, curious, middle-aged Talking Heads fanatic, to consider some tricky questions around the subjects of difference, identity, positioning, labelling and belonging. A Brief History of Difference is an interactive theatre piece rooted in conversation, knowledge sharing, questioning, personal narrative and performance. “Supported by The Riverfront, Newport, Arts Council of Wales and Wales Arts International. Written and Performed by DAR Rogers.” Directed by Jo Fong Designed by Becky Davies * * * * From Fringe Review: “On entering the intimate space of the Women’s Locker Room at Summerhall, the audience is immediately drawn into the world of A Brief History of Difference. DAR, the central performer, warmly invites us to explore the eclectic collection of personal memorabilia scattered around the room. Embroidered tapestries, colourful lamps, and sentimental belongings are laid out, setting the stage for a deeply personal and introspective journey. We are asked to pick a label from the ‘This Could Happen to You?’ box—an exercise that instantly connects us with the theme of identity, as we find ourselves tagged with random words that may or may not resonate. “The show begins with a gentle nudge towards interaction, encouraging us to engage with our neighbours and discuss our newly acquired labels. This initial interaction, though slightly rushed due to the time constraints of a Fringe performance, creates a sense of community among the audience. DAR then introduces themselves, revealing a multitude of names and identities, setting the tone for a performance that is anything but linear. “A Brief History of Difference is a unique storytelling experience, weaving together fragments of DAR’s life through a blend of imagery, objects, and audience engagement. The narrative is non-linear, offering glimpses into DAR’s past through the items on display. Each piece of memorabilia serves as a fragment of DAR’s multifaceted identity, inviting us to piece together the story of a person with many names and layers. “Director Jo Fong skilfully utilises the small space, creating an expansive performance that draws the audience into the heart of the event. Despite the intimate setting, the show’s scope feels broad, tackling complex themes of difference, identity, and belonging. The performance explores the fluidity of identity, highlighting how we are never just one thing or one person, but a constantly shifting kaleidoscope of being. “DAR’s story includes direct speech, poetry, spoken word, upbeat music, interpretive dance, and recurring diversions – oddly on the subject of pigeons several times – that keep the performance lively and engaging. The interactions with the audience, from being invited to read a piece aloud to discussing our labels, are both thought-provoking and playful, ensuring that the themes of liberation, perception, and resistance are not just observed but experienced. “The performance ultimately succeeds in making the audience reflect on their own identities and labels, offering a moment of realisation that we can change the assumptions and expectations placed upon us. A Brief History of Difference is a compelling exploration of the complexities of being different. It’s a performance that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt out of place, which probably everyone at some point to some degree. It is a thought-provoking and refreshing departure from conventional theatre, one for those who like to seek out the daring and unusual work at the Fringe.” * * * * Also From Fringe Review: “A Brief History of Difference, created by Das Clarks and Jo Fong, is a unique and thought-provoking theatrical experience that challenges traditional norms and expectations. The show, led by DAR—a queer, neurodivergent, and curious Talking Heads fanatic—dives deep into the complexities of identity, labels, and belonging. It’s less of a structured performance and more of an evolving conversation, blending personal narrative, interactive dialogue, and spontaneous performance. “What makes this show stand out is its informal and real feel. With no rigid script, DAR navigates through various labels such as "complicated," "alone," "heterosexual," and "autistic," neither praising nor condemning them, but rather opening the floor for honest discussion. The lack of a fixed structure, while refreshing, can occasionally feel unpolished, but this seems intentional. The show’s openness to improvisation, including moments where the audience is encouraged to speak into the microphone or take the floor to dance with DAR, adds to its authenticity. “There are memorable moments, like the tour of their personal items or the quiz that ranges from light-hearted to heavy questions. These elements, combined with DAR’s creation of new labels including "post-binary," keep the audience engaged and reflective. The show’s format may benefit from some tightening, but its fluid nature is part of its charm. “Overall, A Brief History of Difference is a brave and important piece of theatre. It leaves you with more questions than answers, which feels exactly like the point DAR is making—embrace difference, challenge labels, and remain open to the unsolved. It’s a show that lingers in your mind long after it’s over, making it well worth experiencing. * * * * From West End Best Friend: “A Brief History of Difference, created by Das Clarks and Jo Fong, is a unique and thought-provoking theatrical experience that challenges traditional norms and expectations. The show, led by DAR—a queer, neurodivergent, and curious Talking Heads fanatic—dives deep into the complexities of identity, labels, and belonging. It’s less of a structured performance and more of an evolving conversation, blending personal narrative, interactive dialogue, and spontaneous performance. “What makes this show stand out is its informal and real feel. With no rigid script, DAR navigates through various labels such as "complicated," "alone," "heterosexual," and "autistic," neither praising nor condemning them, but rather opening the floor for honest discussion. The lack of a fixed structure, while refreshing, can occasionally feel unpolished, but this seems intentional. The show’s openness to improvisation, including moments where the audience is encouraged to speak into the microphone or take the floor to dance with DAR, adds to its authenticity. “There are memorable moments, like the tour of their personal items or the quiz that ranges from light-hearted to heavy questions. These elements, combined with DAR’s creation of new labels including "post-binary," keep the audience engaged and reflective. The show’s format may benefit from some tightening, but its fluid nature is part of its charm. “Overall, A Brief History of Difference is a brave and important piece of theatre. It leaves you with more questions than answers, which feels exactly like the point DAR is making—embrace difference, challenge labels, and remain open to the unsolved. It’s a show that lingers in your mind long after it’s over, making it well worth experiencing.” Extracts with thanks and acknowledgement from source: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/brief-history-of-difference Photo credit: Kirsten McTernan |
Reviewed by: Adam Somerset |
This review has been read 190 times |
