Life explores the world of an artist’s model, Estelle, who has come to this latest class with an expectation which is turned on its head. The play examines her life, the reasons why she became a model and what the years since have given her. A mysterious artist seems to be able to read Estelle’s mind and in doing so, we go on a journey about how experiences we have impact us, sometimes for the rest of our lives.
One of the innovate ways in which writer and performer Maria MacDonell enhances the audience experience is through the option of drawing during the performance. As Life is an art class, the audience becomes that class, with those seated in the regular audience given pieces of paper and those who join the on-stage audience, have easels and larger pieces of paper to draw on, but only if they wish. No judging of that drawing takes place: it is simply to fit in with the ambience. Taking part in the on-stage drawing at an easel is fun. There is so much focus on listening and observing what is happening on stage, and how this can be drawn onto the canvas, that everything becomes heightened. You cannot stop listening and thinking for a minute, as the importance of every word and every move that you might need to paint, drives you to be fully present in the unveiling of Estelle’s mind.
In MacDonell’s capable hands, Estelle is a spiky, irascible and yet vulnerable figure. It is to her credit that, despite Estelle’s foibles, we are invested in her story. MacDonell’s writing crafts a woman who has been badly treated by different people in her life and has grown a shell with gritty layers that slowly unpeel as we hear her life story, exposing the wounded woman underneath. The artist gently probes, swirling around her like the paintbrushes that have flown across a myriad of canvases through the years. He hears and knows what she is about to say, sometimes speaks it with her. He is a puzzle, but warm and guiding nonetheless, in a flamboyant and yet still subtle performance from Leo MacNeill. When the reason for this particular class is revealed, it is not – by then – unexpected, but it is tinged with sadness.
Life is a reminder that age does not mean we are less than, and that every moment needs to be held onto and enjoyed. It may even make you grabs some pencils to draw occasionally and let some creative juices flow.
Show Time: 18, 20 (Signed Performance), 22 (Relaxed Performance), 24, 26 Aug @ 17:00; touring this Autumn and into 2024
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Ticket Prices: £14 (£12)
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/life
Accessible entry: There is level access into the Centre from the John Knox House entrance. If entering using the main SSC entrance, there are 9 steps up. Once inside there is a lift that can take customers down to the -1 floor which is the top of the raked seating. If not, it is 16 steps down to the top of the raked seating. Wheelchair access type: Building Lift. Stairs: 20+. Wheelchair Accessible Toilets. Audio Enhancement System. Age: 12+ (Guideline), Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes; Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket. Policy applies to: Children under 2 years. Signed performances (20 August); Interpreter: Rachel Amey; Type: BSL; Booking options: You can book independently online or contact the SSC access team to book your tickets and request any specific seating requests in relation to the location of the interpreter. Relaxed performances (22 August); Booking options: You can book independently online or contact our access team for more information or to discuss any accessibility requirements; Additional information: This play is an active drawing class, so participation is built in, however it is not mandatory. Audience members who wish to leave during the performance will be readmitted; Be aware that this show features: Permission to move around and make noise; Permission to engage with performer; Show guide or synopsis or character list.