Writers: Laurie Ward and Charli Cowgill
Director: Ilona Sell
A round total of 52 monologues there may not be, but in this deep insight into the lives of young trans women, you will find a kaleidoscope of pink, spit and sincerity.
52 Monologues for Young Transsexuals, the combined effort of artists Laurie Ward and Charli Cowgill, debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival last year to rave reviews. After multiple runs, the duo has brought the fringe vibe to Soho Theatre’s Upstairs for a triumphant and saddening display of the earnest, affecting and genuine highs and lows of being young and trans today.
Hardly as daunting as the titular number of monologues may suggest, 52 Monologues for Young Transsexuals is a colourful verbatim piece that effectively queers the form. Ward and Cowgill sat down with a group of trans women to discuss and record their experiences to then blend them together in a multi-faceted performance that conveys a truly layered evocation of trans experience. But Ward and Cowgill do not simply retell the real stories of other women on stage, they make a great effort to remix and rejig the verbatim dialogue, pairing them together to find new and impactful meanings.
From the beginning looks can be deceiving. The piece starts by lulling the audience into a somewhat false degree of safety, with Cowgill welcoming each audience member into the space while Ward dances by herself against the backdrop of the pink and tinsel of the stage. The fringe-party aesthetic is transplanted with Charli XCX songs blasting until the show starts with a bang of synchronised and impressive dance moves.
It is this mixture of the reality of trans women and the queer joy evoked on stage by the two performers that becomes 52 Monologues for Young Transsexuals’ most affecting trait. The play ventures into some truly dark realities that are brought to the stage with incredible care and sincerity by Ward and Cowgill, moments that will stay with you long after the music ends.
52 Monologues for Young Transsexuals is vital viewing, not just for queer audiences, but for everybody who can buy a ticket as it is one of the most moving pieces of verbatim theatre you will ever see.
Runs until 16 March 2024
