The Hamilton Complex @ The Unicorn Theatre (LIFT Festival 2016) Review

That was a sick show! And I don’t mean in the new contemporary good way. And I don’t mean it made me wanted to puke. I mean sick, weird and twisted. We are introduced to 13 Belgian girls dressed as Airhostess and they give us a polite warning to not be offended at what is about to take place on stage. It is quite clear we are about to embark on some touchy subjects, especially as the one body builder starts to strip down to his underwear.

The Hamilton Complex

He begins to pose for us, flexing his muscles, until the 13 girls creep up on him and over power the stage with their femininity which makes him feel uncomfortable and exits the stage. The Hamilton Complex celebrates the girls in their angst and we begin to empathise with all their strange outbursts on stage, of being wild and free which is invigorating to watch. The chaos on stage demonstrates all that is going on in their minds and lives.

‘If you want to know something look it up’ was one of my favourite scenes, want to know about Samuel Beckett, Africa, genocide, colonialism, e-booking. We live in a world with information so accessible and yet there is still so much ignorant and ignored information. If you want to know something look it up. These young girls are growing up in a complex world. Generations before them have not lived their lives and their worries and concerns and more complex than ever before.

We may have lived in a world where our parents can protect us but these girls are 13 with smart phones, if they really want to know something they will find out. In a world of selfies, Kim Kardashian, war in Syria, war in Europe, togetherness and separation, anxiety is at its highest.

Each of the thirteen girls are given names like ‘ lovely, vanity, marvelous etc’ which gives you an idea of their thoughts emotions and ambitions. It is a beautiful coming of age piece that is heartfelt. The right risks are taken and touched on the uncomfortable subject of one grown man ad thirteen teenagers. The cast and crew rightly deserve their standing ovation. 4/5

Review written by Jessica Andrade.

The Hamilton Complex was shown at the Unicorn Theatre from Thursday 30th June until Saturday 2nd July as part of this year’s LIFT Festival. For more information on the festival, visit here…

Written by Theatrefullstop