REVIEW: FAUN by Vinnie Heaven at Theatre503 19 – 29 April 2023

‘exuberant entertainment as the ultimate defence mechanism’ ★★★★

Vinnie Heaven tackles transgender homelessness with Faun, a riotous new play that uses entertainment as the ultimate defence mechanism.  Commissioned by Cardboard Citizens and produced by Alphabetti Theatre and Theatre 503, eighty minutes fly by as you step into the trans-experience of Ace. Sofa surfing with friends and couple, Paige and Ant, an unplanned entanglement between Ace and Ant finds our protagonist cast onto the streets.

Here, at rock bottom, Ace discovers the enchanting world of the Queer Forest. So adept has he become at host-fawning in exchange for accommodation, constantly on the charm - “not smarm” -  offensive, Ace has started to turn into a faun, complete with nubbly ears, fuzzy shins and pan pipes. But before he can earn his antlers and live his life freely, the forest creatures must teach him some important life lessons about self-esteem, pride and not constantly apologising for one’s existence.

This wonderfully exuberant production treats a serious issue with cloven hooves, if not kid gloves. It was during lockdown that many first became aware of the homelessness crisis specifically faced by the transgender community. In homes that become like pressure cookers, unresolved conflicts rose to the surface and research by Stonewall, reveals one in five transgender individuals have faced homelessness at least once in their lives, often rejected from conventional family units.

With a quick-fire script by Vinnie Heaven and joyful direction by Debbie Hannan, the cast do a dynamic job of bringing the characters to life. Ace, played by Aitch Wylie, actor, singer and trans inclusivity consultant in the performing arts, combines comic timing with vulnerability. Afton Moran as Ant is a shining new talent with facial elasticity and a gift for physical theatre that at times brings to mind Jim Carrey.  Nyah Randon who plays Paige and Doe offers a powerful kick ass presence to her roles. Between them, audiences witness a great chemistry combined with fantastic lighting, sound, music and magic that make for a memorable production.

This queer reclaiming of the ‘hetero-cis fairy tale’ with many familiar ingredients: salvation, redemption and transformation is spun with sequins and garnished with glitter. Although a social issue sits at the heart of Faun, it is first and foremost a powerful piece of queer theatre. At the curtain call, many of the audience were on their feet with love and gratitude and would, I’m sure, would have been happy to watch it all over again.

FAUN by Vinnie Heaven at Theatre503 19 – 29 April 2023

Directed by Debbie Hannan

Tickets: https://theatre503.com/whats-on/faun/

Reviewed by Nilgin Yusuf