Floating us to the docks of South Quay Swan Teeth by Sofia JM Bitelli, hints of a haunting tale of a fragmented relationship between Adam and Agnes a non linear narrative that we are constantly rocked side to side with.

The story focuses on Adam and Agnes, two artists in their early 20’s, and is ultimately a look into why that relationship breaks down reflecting the mirror back to society examining just why these common dynamics are in play. We jump back and forth with a couple into different parts of their love story whilst simultaneously exploring Agnes’ play that she is writing of a couple in the 1950’s amidst a divorcee as she tries to find the through line of this play we leave wondering which story was dictated by the other.

The premise finds it’s strength at its best moments in the writing. Bitelli’s script is littered with beautiful symbolism, quick wit and rhetoric indicative of her talent as a poet. They’re weaved into the set up and concepts of the scenes and offer provocation. Very specific imagery is fed to us by use of swans throughout either textually or visually and its use conjures some nuanced takes about love and endings. Other times the script paints broader strokes, skimming over opportunities to expand this poetic universe in favour of a few more on the surface observations to progress plot point.

Conceptually the play struggled to find itself because I think it wanted to embody a lot of different things but gave itself a juggling act to try and balance throughout: between the present relationship occurring in a non linear fashion and the fictional one running side by side. There is an obvious attempt to move away from naturalism to reflect the poetic nature of the script but then tonally it felt hard to place where it was. Concepts weren’t taken far enough for us to grab ahold of, and the way the structure was set up paired moments of seriousness that whiplashed into in jokes directed at the audience. An additional 1950’s world was layered on top of all of this with rigid blackout transitions gluing it together. Without the language and rules being clearly defined we get lost within the story and what we’re taking away from each section isn’t clear, though still enjoyable.

Theres no loss of charm throughout this piece however. The language permeates and flows out of the actors mouths with an enthusiasm and energy that is unwavering. As the piece develops I find myself more and more drawn in to the sense of play that the show cultivates. Jabs between characters, word play, a daringness to go into the bizarre mean that you will naturally fall into the thematics of the show.

With a complex dive into the ending of relationships in your 20’s Bitelli’s writing leaves me circling over the concepts in my head. A lot of promise presented within this show and definitely a writer on the pursuit of something great.

Recommended Drink: You might want some rubbing alcohol for that bite

 Swan Bite concluded it’s run at Theatreship on London on 22nd February 2025.