This show was so abstract and weird! I kind of feel like I can’t categorize it into “bad” or “good” like I usually do because it defies labels—maybe the most non-binary thing a play could do.

There was a lot to like here.

I was impressed by the construction of the puppets, especially the Daniel puppet. I loved watching the many ways that this puppet got used.

The music was also wonderful. Live accompaniment is always such a treat at a Fringe show, let alone live composition, and the score was futuristic and effective.

I also loved all of The Friend’s monologues, but especially two. First, the opening monologue framing The Friend by 3 perspectives, a succinct and timeless exploration of how trans people are perceived in their communities versus by themselves. Second, a later monologue where The Friend reflects on the Daniel’s death, describing their body as vessel, as object. When they take Daniel’s body unto their own, the body that became object becoming body once again, I was shocked with joy. What queer person hasn’t dreamed of getting so close to their lover that they become one? And what trans person hasn’t viewed their body as something separate from themselves, an empty vessel that might someday be broken or transformed?

I can see why this play is so divisive. It feels more like a performance art piece you would see at a modern art museum than a play. The abstraction makes it difficult to follow without prior knowledge of The Friend’s history or cultural knowledge of trans experience. Many elements go unexplained. A lot of the experience of the play is wondering what you’re watching and what will happen next, which feels both destabilizing and riveting.

Overall, I’m glad I saw this because the parts I understand (or think I understand) I really, really loved. But this is certainly a play for a niche audience of people who are okay to witness something that doesn’t hand you all of the answers.