ED2016 5/5 Reviews ED2016 Theatre Reviews

Waves (Alice Mary Cooper)

By Jane Berg | Published on Saturday 27 August 2016

Alice Mary Cooper has done original and important work here, channelling the unwritten stories of pioneering female swimmers of the 1900s into a clear, captivating narrative. On the small island of Gabo, Elizabeth Moncello learns to overcome her fear of the water by studying fish, penguins and dolphins. Discovered by Olympian champion, Fanny Durack is offered the chance of a lifetime, only to do so she must give up her unique stroke and swim according to the rules. Cooper’s writing and performance is marvellous to witness, as she paints a vivid picture of the Australian coastline. Furthermore, she really highlights the loss of women’s histories in the last century and the need to re-imagine them.

Summerhall, until 28 Aug.
tw rating 5/5 | [Jane Berg]