Programming your time at Fringe is always a difficult task, you trudge around with pockets full of flyers attempting to construct a timetable of shows. The idea of seeing a performance at 10am seems illusory, but playing at The Traverse Theatre Adam is a story we must all listen to.
Courtesy of David Monteith-Hodge.
In arabic there is no translation for gender specific terms, a universal language does not exist and a transparent state of existence is impossible. In a world of chained expression, Adam attempts to identify himself in the narrowed gaze of his friends, family and colleagues. Linear in time passing, the story accounts Adam’s morphing into the man and person he has always felt at heart.
‘Words are not black and white and neither are we. Can the soul of a man be trapped in the body of a woman?’
Counterpart to Eve and a suitable name, Adam is a man of honourable courage. Exile of a body and home, Adam forces a knife to his breast in an attempt to be unbound from the woman’s body that has engulfed his very existence. Achingly sad, deeply affecting, anger inducing and joyously inspiring are all the affects quoted by director Cora Bissett on first hearing Adam’s story. Sensitively staged, collaboration is at the heart of this project, bringing on board director Cora Bissett, writer Frances Poet and composer Jocelyn Pook giving voice to this extraordinary story.
Moving in the beautifully designed space, unfolding with the action, mirrored Adam is exposed as the lights, video projections and soundtrack strike the hostile and torturous environment Adam is pained with. The most touching moment is a Skype call made to Adam’s home where his resistant Mum at first denies him to be the man he has become. Simply conceived, a dialogue plays out and the audience cannot help indulging themselves in the heart wrenching discourse.
It is strange to consider a world where these stories are not told and witnessed. The National Theatre of Scotland, in collaboration with the Traverse Theatre has programmed shows considering the message their audiences are receiving, one of support, strength and unity. Adam is a stand out show and gets its deserved ovation, performers Adam Kashmiry and Neshla Caplan should be filled with pride. I leave the production clutching at my tissue, as tears roll down my already sodden face. 5/5
Review written by Megan Mattravers.
Adam is currently showing at the Traverse Theatre until Sunday 27th August 2017 as part of this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival. For more information on the production, visit here…
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