Death is part of our life cycle, however a part of humanity we seldom talk about until it’s something we’re sadly confronted with. This being due to the topic’s emotional, fear inducing nature, the topic a tough one to discuss as it’s a case of addressing the unknown. Boldly exploring this further within their work Kill Me Now, Dirty Protest deliver a thought-provoking watch.
An expert on grief, Rhiannon Boyle’s bubbly, charismatic lead delivers a webinar-type presentation delving into the finer details of her funeral arrangement franchise, Joyful Endings. We’re confronted with statistics, information on how to arrange a funeral as well as how to set up a successful business, the show an initially light hearted, interactive event considering the topic at hand.
As the show progresses, Boyle’s seemingly upbeat, ambitious, facade softens. We witness her at a more vulnerable level and how grief currently affects her, we witness how this is channelled within what she does – this heartbreaking yet inspiring, this the show’s undercurrent – grief being the price we pay for love a resonant line.
Dirty Protest create an environment opening up the discussion on grief and loss which is important, especially during this unique period in time whereby grief has been experienced by many. Catherine Paskell directs a fast paced, yet considered show – made accessible by the integration of BSL and audio description. The show’s webinar/tech inspired visual a fun play on our new Zoom-led business meeting culture.
Review written by Lucy Basaba.
Kill Me Now was shown via Summerhall livestream as part of this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe Festival programme from Tuesday 17th to Saturday 21st August 2021. To find out more about the production, visit here…
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