More Tales from Your Queer Elder by Lucia August is a powerful one-person show about dealing with the loss of a loved one and the importance of pursuing your passions regardless of age, background or size! Telling the mysterious story of her partner’s sudden disappearance, Lucia and the team have woven together a story of love and meaning while showcasing the former’s talent and passion for dance.
At the heart of this entire show is a message of acceptance and self-love, with Lucia outlining her journey through queerness and how finding a safe space is so important. Both of these messages are highly relatable and realistic, which is reflected throughout the entire essence of the show. Lucia not only strips back the classic theatrical elements (although she does manage to include some set and costume changes, which I will talk about later), but also forces the audience to purely focus on the stories and dance talents showcased throughout. Instead of covering the transitions with multimedia or fantastical theatrics, Lucia guides the audience through the stories in such a natural and real way. This does lead to the occasional moment of waiting, but when combined with the fact that everything is based on true stories, it means that the show in its entirety feels honest and authentic, which perfectly reflects the message of the content Lucia has created. Combining the realism of the set, props, transitions and stories is very clever and means the audience can not only easily follow along but are almost forced to take something from the show, regardless of their own backgrounds or experiences.
The first section of the show is titled “Five Heavy Suitcases”, which documents Lucia’s own experiences of migrating from America to Scotland in her 70s. She brings out the aforementioned five suitcases, each of which is filled with important and meaningful items to help her begin her new life. One of the most notable inclusions in her luggage was a pair of dance shoes, as she had spent years working as both a dancer and dance therapist. The audience are constantly treated to a series of beautiful choreographed sequences, including a particularly memorable section involving a Communist flag. The solo performer informs the audience that her family back in the USA were heavily involved with the Communist Party, and the dangers of being part of a family with these connections was one of the biggest factors contributing to her decision to relocate. There is also a section of the show where Lucia brings out a set of Tarot cards and guides the audience through an impromptu reading, with powerful messages of growth intertwined throughout. Those who know me in real life will be aware that I am not a particularly spiritual person, but there is something about Tarot cards that really captivates me, whether that is the storytelling or theatrics of it all. So, adding this element to the show really created a sense of excitement for me personally. The combination of storytelling and physical performance is particularly effective throughout the production. Lucia does not simply tell the audience about her experiences; she uses dance to help communicate emotions and memories that can sometimes be difficult to put into words. This makes the dance feel like an extension of the storytelling rather than simply an additional performance element, allowing the audience to understand Lucia’s experiences from a different perspective. The intimate nature of the Olive Studio at Greenside also works incredibly well for this production. With Lucia regularly speaking directly to the audience, the small space creates the feeling that we are not simply watching a performance but are instead being invited into a very personal conversation. This is particularly effective when the subject matter becomes more emotional, as the lack of elaborate theatrical distractions means that the audience are encouraged to focus entirely on Lucia and the stories she is sharing.
In conclusion, More Tales from Your Queer Elder by Lucia August is a moving exploration of love, loss and identity, blended with a series of wonderful dance showcases throughout. Having Lucia discuss these topics in such a real and honest way, with an array of genuine suitcases, photographs and other personal objects, while talking directly to the audience in the cosy and intimate Olive Studio at Greenside, makes this show present itself as a heart-to-heart conversation with a relative who is helping you through your own personal struggles. The combination of personal storytelling, dance and physical objects creates an experience that feels incredibly authentic, while the overarching messages of acceptance, self-love and pursuing your passions ensure that there is something for everyone to take away from the production. I would rate this show 3 out of 5 stars!
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