Review Score – 5 stars
Category – Theatre
Writer and performer Alex Gwyther’s Ripped is not only an amazing piece of theatre but also a hugely important step in terms of the arts opening the door to the discussion on masculinity.
The show advertises itself on tackling the subject of male rape and how 96% of cases go unreported. It then, through its sole protagonist, displays the before and after affects that such a trauma has on someone and how they react to it. It is a deeply harrowing account, one which exhibits all the tropes of masculinity in all it’s most toxic and dangerous traits through Alex’s portrayal of “Jack” post trauma but also shows, pre assault, the positive and modern version of masculinity not covered by your stereotypes.
The performance, switching between pre and post assault, shows how these stereotypes are the default fallback position men seek when in crisis as society has constructed through popular culture this mythical ideal of masculinity which the play demonstrates is farcical as it is damaging.
I was in tears but also laughed quite a few times throughout this performance. I’ve never watched anything that’s affected me this way before and credit to that goes to Alex for a masterful, authentic performance. The exceptional direction of Max Lindsay was displayed through the emotional beats of the piece being perfectly timed alongside fantastically atmospheric sound and lighting to fit whatever emotion was needed to be conveyed through Alex’s diverse performance.
As someone who is performing a personal show with a similar theme, I can only applaud everyone involved in this fantastic production. They have managed to demonstrate how dated and damaging male stereotypes are and discuss the need for more honest portrayals of masculinity through a highly emotive and enjoyable piece of work.
This isn’t just a “must see” show but a work of art that needs showcased to as many people as possible, such is the value in the message it conveys.
Details of this show are listed below;
Venue: Underbelly, Cowgate – Belly Laughs
Dates: 20 AUG – 25 AUG
Time: 13:00 (1hr)
Ticket prices: £10 (£9 students/concessions)
Fringe box office: Contains Distressing Themes, Scenes of a Sexual Nature, Scenes of Violence, Strong Language/Swearing
Suitable for 16+.
Warnings and additional info: Contains Distressing Themes, Scenes of a Sexual Nature, Scenes of Violence, Strong Language/Swearing
