Copy of Review: PUSH by Popelei Theatre / Pleasance Festival Online from 6 – 30 August 2021

This one-woman piece from Popelei Theatre examines motherhood (and the absence of), pressures, anxiety and choices that are faced in society today in a way that feels relatable and accessible to all- there is something for all in this challenging and interesting piece. At times the text feels like a musical score, we can hear the ebbs and flows of the text, the beats, and the silence. It begs us all to ask the questions that we ask ourselves when we are trying to decide what it is we really want from life. 

Dynamic and ambitious with both physicality and the script, this one-woman performance is not an easy task and is executed with vigour and precision. Tamsin Hurtado Clarke lives fully in this role which looks like a challenging workout for its performer, and is physically and mentally demanding, but she makes it look like a masterclass of skill. She exercises pace, rhythm, and range in her performance of the text and that is matched and complimented by the naturally proficient way she moves around the space both in the physical sequences and in the stillness. 

It interested me to watch the internal chaos, fear and confusion of a woman debating and experiencing pregnancy whilst the performance and space at times feeling clinical or academic- a beat was never missed, no foot out of place with the stark white walls and floor engulfing the space. I enjoyed this. The contrast of her inner fret visible whilst still being technically so skilled really made me hear the words flowing from her. My eyes fixed for the entirety on what was going to be said and done with no distraction and I think that’s largely a credit to its performer.

A special note must also be given to cimematographer Jack Offord, who exquisitely captured this online version of an originally live piece. This is one that I look forward to being able to see in the flesh purely for the physicality and movement in the space but seeing it essentially as a sort of art- house film felt like a very special experience. There were times when we were taken so close that you couldn’t possibly have captured that sort of intimacy in a theatre, and I think a shared understanding by all really made this piece feel like something that can stand alone in its own right as a piece to be viewed digitally. 

The music and lightning added to a very specific and unearthly space that we were invited in to. It almost felt like we were inside the mind of the character as she worked through her inner thoughts and worries which I think lifted the piece again into its own realm. 

Overall a very solid and well curated online piece of theatre that tackles important feelings and fears of motherhood and femininity in a way that I think is important and easily accessible to all audiences. I look forward to seeing what’s to come next and think this company are at the forefront of some important and classy work. 

Image: The Other Richard

PUSH

Performance Dates Friday 6th – Monday 30th August 2021

Running time 40 minutes

Created by Popelei

Performer Tamsin Hurtado Clarke

Director Scarlett Plouviez

Producer Penelope Saward

Composer/Sound Designer Santiago Jara Astaburuaga

Cinematographer Jack Offord

Sound Recordist Graeme Willetts

Assistant Director Anja Kulessa

Gaffer Jack Lilley

Box Office Tickets are available for £5 from www.pleasance.co.uk

Reviewer: Sophie Warren is a Welsh RWCMD Acting graduate. A playwright, reviewer and actor in London, Sophie is a seasoned Edinburgh fringe performer and audience member. Also, a member of Pinch Punch Comedy and WFW Writers group with Chippy Lane Productions