Issy Cory
Anya Samuel has been briefed by her fiancé, tech mogul Galven, to give a presentation detailing the ‘Four Emotional Episodes’ in their relationship where Anya has cried in public. The news reporter side of Anya wants to make this the best demonstration of all time, but in her gut something feels off.
Anya comes from a Singapore Tamil Christian family, and whilst her community endeavour to support her personal choices, there are many that comment on her relationship with Galven, who is Chinese. With the presence of Galven’s ex Cheryl, and his clear problem with alcohol, the pressures begin to mount despite Anya’s best efforts.
Galven is brilliantly painted as the ultimate gaslighter, brushing off each of Anya’s ‘emotional episodes’ much to her dismay. It is heart wrenching to watch Anya – superbly embodied by Sindhura Kalidas – trying to cling onto her classy journalist persona whilst suffering within a coercive relationship.
Anya’s presentation is slick and professional, with each animated slide serving as a symbol for her perfectionism. The soundscapes are purposeful, helping to build Anya’s world: her parents’ house, the restaurant where Anya first cries in public with Galven, and the night where she is violently assaulted by her fiancé.
The title Psychobitch only partially encapsulates the atmosphere of the piece. After hearing about multiple occasions where Galven gaslights Anya horrendously, there is a call for retaliation in typical femme-revenge fashion. Anya repeatedly makes excuses for Galven’s horrific behaviour, and it is only in the show’s finale that she makes the decision to leave him without a word.
Whilst the parallel between Anya’s departure and her mother’s escape from her father in her early life is poignant, we are left yearning for a stronger response from our protagonist. The story is so detailed it feels at times too lengthy, threatening to slow down the pace of the production and diluting its worthwhile narrative.
Though the manifestation of each character is well done, they emerge solely from our solo actor meaning there is a constant back and forth as Kalidas switches from person to person. With so many supporting characters, it is slightly exhausting witnessing this process, especially when Anya is the focal point of the story.
That said, the production feels polished and refined. Kalidas’s performance is strong and focussed; she wins the audience over early-on. With a few nips and tucks, Psychobitch is ready to present to the board.
Recommended Drink: An iced latte picked up on the way to a busy day of meetings.
You can catch Psychobitch at Summerhall – TechCube 0 from Aug 9-11, 13-18, 20-26 at 19:45. Tickets are available through the EdFringe Box Office.
Phoebe Bakker
Jake Mace
