ROTUS is a beautifully crafted, biting satire which explores a fictional young woman, Chastity Quirke, who uses all her skills and assets to gain a high-level role in the Republican White House. Writer and performer Leigh Douglas gives a masterclass in the one-woman show as she struts, shimmies, cajoles and quite frankly intimidates us with Chastity’s fierce, single-minded determination to rise the ranks.
Douglas’s Chastity is an intelligent, politically astute white woman who is exceptionally prepared for any eventuality and always immaculately presented. Based partly on real-life figures in American politics and real-life events, the layers of information and subtext within the writing is impressive. Packed full of the nuances with which politics exploits stereotypes and how policies have risen to reflect certain demographics, it is both informative and revealing into the power dynamics of the current political spheres.
Shifts between characters are clear and defined: Douglas uses physicality well and this ability lends itself well to telling the story that unfolds with the incidental characters who help to bring the story to its conclusion. The twist in the tale is both shocking but makes sense in the world that Chastity has been inhabiting. A clever and memorable piece of political writing performed with which deserves to be seen far and wide. It is selling fast so you will need to grab your tickets while you can.
Show Time: 11-24 Aug @ 15:40
Gilded Balloon Patter House
Ticket Prices: £9.50-£10.50
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/rotus-receptionist-of-the-united-states
Venue accessibility: Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose is situated on Chambers Street. The pavements are wide but become busy during the Festival. There are three stairs at the main entrance to the building. Those requiring use of the platform lift enter the building approximately three metres along from the stepped entrance. Members of staff in pink t-shirts are on hand to assist entrance and exits from the building. All bars and venues can be accessed by stairs or a building lift. Please speak to a member of staff on arrival if you require assistance or need to be entered into a venue early. For further access information about Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose visit our Accessibility Page: www.gildedballoon.co.uk/accessibility or email [email protected]|. Wheelchair accessible toilets. May not apply to all performances.
Age suitability: 12+ (guideline). Babes in arms policy: babies do not require a ticket. Policy applies to: children under 2 years.