The lead up, the taking of and the processing of the result of a pregnancy is a nerve wracking, overwhelming experience, those few moments holding the key to possible motherhood. Exploring this emotional ritual further, Popelei present Push, an unapologetic, unfiltered short filmic piece.
40 minutes in length, Push’s one woman show format delves into our lead’s interior thought process, her inside voice noisy, speculating the result of the test and what this could mean in the the long term. Her interior voice, a voice over, now exterior as our lead speaks. What’s lovely is that interior feeling the speech still clings on to as Tasmin Hurtado Clarke speaks, tangential, unpredictable yet lyrical and rhythmic in tone and delivery, Hurtado Clarke encapsulates the mixture of emotion felt, thoughts beautifully yet comically triggering off proceeding points, constant back and forths creating a space of contemplation as to what the result could mean.
I won’t reveal the result of the test, but the intrigue automatically draws you in, a crucial part of survival, we seldom see this part of humanity presented as it has done here, and this is refreshing to watch. Push’s pastel, neon aesthetic is full of vitality, cinematographer Jack Offord capturing onto the show’s vivacious feel brilliantly – giving the film a music video feel. Assured, static movement segments break up the film, showcasing the strength and wonder of the human body, a celebration of womanhood. Scarlett Plouvez directs, and Popelei present a vital piece of theatre exploring women’s health, an inspirational watch.
Review written by Lucy Basaba.
Push is currently showing on demand on the Pleasance Festival Online platform as part of this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe until Monday 30th August 2021. To find out more about the show, visit here…
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