Issy Cory
When Katie and Body go their separate ways, Katie is desperate to find a way to reconnect with what she has lost. Deep-diving into her new hobby of synchronised swimming, Katie learns a lot more than just sculling and treading water.
Convinced that she is descended from marine mammals, with fat that distributes evenly across her body rather than clustering around her organs, Katie takes to the ocean on her quest to find Body. Weaving mythical storytelling with witty synchro-swimming excerpts, Katie endeavours to find care in a lonely world that shows her none.
The theme of water is so sublimely portrayed through every element of BLUBBER’s production. Perspex boxes contain water that reflects iridescent lights. Soundscapes are reminiscent of whalesong, accompanied by Katie’s own powerful vocals. Foil-like flooring transforms the whole space, plunging us into the oceanic depths.
Greenall’s performance is majestic. She opens with a fabulously chaotic synchro number, complete with swim cap and nose clip. Her confidence thrums around the room, and her silliness has us instantly laughing.
This is contrasted starkly by the beauty of her speech. Poetry flows out of her mouth and into the ears of a captive audience. Greenall’s singing is awe-inspiring, made all the more meaningful by the fact that singing is an activity that makes her feel most connected to her body.
At times we are transported into the mythical tale where Katie is searching for Body, reminding us of the power in rewriting our own experiences. At others, Greenall exudes candour, as she tells us about the process of creating BLUBBER. It is so intimate, yet never self-seeking.
Amongst all this, the narrative remains deliberately nuanced. Although Katie continuously advocates for her fatness, she does not shy away from the reality that she still grapples with not hating her body, but not caring for it properly either.
As the soundscape moves onto clips from Katie’s loved ones, detailing times when they felt connected to her body, audience members are invited onstage to give Katie a baptism, of sorts. She is returned to the water by those around her, creating a stunning image of love and attentiveness.
BLUBBER is a necessity for those who have ever been faced with the dilemma of their own fatness. There are few times that a body like Greenall’s has taken to the stage, allowing others to delight in their own beautiful bodies. It is refreshing to know that stories like these are finding their way to the limelight, in an industry that consistently ignores the existence of fat people.
Recommended Drink: Salt water.
You can catch BLUBBER at Summerhall – TechCube 0 from Aug 20-26 at 12:25. Tickets are available through the EdFringe Box Office.
Phoebe Bakker
Jake Mace
