Words: Alex Grunberg
Image: Elisabeth Caren

 
4 Stars

Riki Lindhome shares an honest, vulnerable, and courageous look back on her “fertility journey” – a phrase she rightly critiques for a fight and experience too complex for a standard narrative plot arc. But Lindhome is comfortable weaving together humour and sorrow, the highs and lows, the frowny faces and the smiley faces as she catalogues her struggles through jokes, anecdotes, and song.

The media elements were fun additions, but the heart of the show shone and Lindhome’s connection with the audience was felt most acutely in heartfelt and heartbreaking stories. Lindhome takes on the important work of verbalising issues that have been made systemically taboo, historically silenced. So much support can come from just being heard. So much help can be found when you listen to someone who has gone through your struggle.

Both the levity and the grief are brought to emotional heights in Lindhome’s original songs, and the media elements were best utilised when paired with these musical interludes, creating visual punchlines as well as contextual depth. Particularly memorable songs for me were a look at superior, archaic forms of therapy and an emotional love song that made many audience members teary.

Riki Lindhome shares an important story of grief and hope with grace and humour.

RIKI LINDHOME: DEAD INSIDE
Pleasance Courtyard, Beneath
17:00
Aug 8-13, 15-25