Arthur Art Bar is a gritty Fringe venue in the west end of Adelaide that has evolved over the last few years. Formerly a furniture store, it is known for its presentation of alternative and queer performances. This year for the Fringe, the upstairs rooms, each barely larger than a bedroom have been converted for live shows. Thus we find ourselves packed into a warm and intimate space to experience “Burn It”, a 2 person play by Lydia Kuelsen. The play was written as genderless, and the show has been performed across Australia by a range of non-binary, fem and masc presenting actors.
In this performance, Cam (played by Kuelsen) and Jayden are two girls on a camping trip after Jayden’s acrimonious breakup. In one of the opening lines, Jayden announces that they hate camping. Which, after four hours of driving, is a little late. Making the most of their time, they decide on a drinking game. Over time, both characters open up about their past relationships. Both actors are very natural and believable in their dialogue and it is a realistic depiction of two close friends sharing secrets. Both actors have a genuine feel within their respective roles.
The ebb and flow of humour and revelations of darker secrets is cleverly balanced. Cam’s sorrow at losing friends after their breakup and Jayden’s admission of love for an abusive partner has a universal message. Even the relationship between the two characters is tested and explored. Pushing the boundaries of trust creates a stronger bond between the two. This is not a simple “love conquers all” tale, but one of nuance and relevance.
“Burn It” is a particularly relatable story for anyone that has gone through a breakup and is trying to navigate the conflicting emotions around that. there is no black and white in this story. The range of reactions are real and presented in a non-judgemental way. Fortunately, despite revelations of trauma and abuse along the way, there is a happy ending. Which gives hope to those suffering and reassurance to those that have found love.