Review by Clare O’Brien: The Angel Riots, Bloody and out of Love.
Are you Adam or Eve? What if you find yourself somewhere in between? Imagine the bitter shame of discovering you are other than what you were taught to be. To know that you had fallen from
Godliness. Now you must make difficult choices. Remain good in your God’s eyes or search for your own truth.
“The Angel riots, bloody and out of love” was conceived through writer and actor Alexander Gallimore’s personal battle whilst coming of age as a young, gay, Jamaican boy. His struggles to
come to terms with his previous religious teachings and be true to what he knows himself to be are expertly woven into an intricate stage production that reaches painfully, sometimes pitifully, but
always genuinely into the depths of your soul.
This modern-day biblical tale, possibly as old as time, has Shakespearean undertones in its oratory delivery. Our protagonist finds himself twisting inward as he turns from a God that, as a young
Jamaican, he’d been taught would love him, but as a young homosexual, he learns that God would denounce him and reject who he is, discovering himself to be. He finds himself at odds with a
world that would love him but which reflects and rejects his very being.
Joined by actor Yonatan Roodner, the story unfolds with heartfelt dialogue and fierce intent from both actors. They dare you to look them directly in the eyes and hold their gaze with your direct
attention. Daring you to look upon them and witness their folly. The Angel and his Earth-bound artist and ex-lover are forced to truly look upon one another. Each in turn bears their soul and their
innermost memories of their doomed relationship until the only course is bloody, helpless, and violent action. So to rot and riot.
Directed by Meeri Aro, this piece is laid bare before us with the use of clever dialogue, subtle movement, and intense imagery. It is a blessing that these three young artists met whilst studying
and came together to create such an intense, well-scripted, highly visual work.
“Angel riots bloody and out of love” must be witnessed. This company is one to watch out for in the future.
You can see Angel Riots, Bloody and out of Love at Dice Theater on 2 September at 18:00 hrs.
