REVIEW: LULU

What happens when you combine Caribbean folk stories and an Alice in Wonderland inspired journey? You get the joyful, moving and captivating Lulu.

The audience is grabbed immediately by the cast singing and dancing their way on to the stage with a skilled live musician (Waleed Abdulhamid) playing an impressive amount of instruments from percussion to guitar. We are then introduced to Lulu (a playful and layered performance from Savannah “TAYOW” Taylor) and her grandmother (a wise and joyful Najla Nubyanluv). They are sharing stories about trickster gods and the importance of passing down these stories from generation to generation. When life suddenly takes an unexpected turn, Lulu is faced with a journey of self-discovery, reconciliation and love.

The set is comprised of tires and red sheets covered in flowers. These pieces transform into various locations as Lulu travels and the cast cleverly utilizes them along with their extremely well choreographed movements. Transitions move along swiftly by incorporating interpretive dance and songs to move the journey along. There are several illusions to the aforementioned Alice in Wonderland as Lulu meets strange guides, and characters, including her estranged father. The trickster god Anansi is embodied by Jason Chung who is equal parts mischievous and clever. Like Lulu, we don’t trust him but know his guidance is essential to the journey.

As this imaginative world begins crumbling, reflecting reality, Lulu is faced with understanding the importance of forgiveness, acceptance and continuing the storytelling traditions from her family so that she can bring these worlds back to life for future generations. I was moved to tears by the end, which does not happen easily.

A truly beautiful, powerful and impactful piece of theatre at this year’s Fringe. Go and support this deeply personal odyssey. A definite must-see.