I'm a Phoenix, Bitch, Battersea Arts Centre review ★★★★★
Playwright Bryony Kimmings rises from the ashes in a playful, potent exploration of trauma and recovery. I'm a Phoenix, Bitch returns after impressing in 2018
I'm a Phoenix, Bitch, Battersea Arts Centre
'In order to rise from its own ashes, a Phoenix first must burn.' In Bryony Kimmings’ first solo show in nearly a decade, she does just that. I'm A Phoenix, Bitch returns to the Battersea Arts Centre in February 2019 after impressing in 2018.
In the space of seventy mesmerising minutes we see her crash, burn, drown and transform into a bodybuilding, mind-bending, warrior of a woman.
The cult-like fans of Kimmings’ performance art know her work inside out, but for the benefit of newcomers, Kimmings introduces herself as an ‘Autobiographical Performance Artist’, giving a choreographed rundown of her solo shows, including 'The one with the pubic moustache'. She emphasises that in each show there have been tears, tears and more tears, so prepare for the waterworks in this one. She delivers on her promise.
The show retraces, rewinds and refines Kimmings’ postnatal breakdown, her crumbling relationship and the ever-worsening illness of her infant son. Although it sounds bleak, Kimmings and her co-director Kirsty Housley have crafted a light and kaleidoscopic piece that utilises film, projection, soundscapes and music. These dramatic tools sculpt a powerful, humorous and moving portrayal of a modern day woman and the ever-increasing struggles she faces on a daily basis.
In the space of seventy mesmerising minutes we see her crash, burn, drown and transform into a bodybuilding, mind-bending, warrior of a woman.
The cult-like fans of Kimmings’ performance art know her work inside out, but for the benefit of newcomers, Kimmings introduces herself as an ‘Autobiographical Performance Artist’, giving a choreographed rundown of her solo shows, including 'The one with the pubic moustache'. She emphasises that in each show there have been tears, tears and more tears, so prepare for the waterworks in this one. She delivers on her promise.
The show retraces, rewinds and refines Kimmings’ postnatal breakdown, her crumbling relationship and the ever-worsening illness of her infant son. Although it sounds bleak, Kimmings and her co-director Kirsty Housley have crafted a light and kaleidoscopic piece that utilises film, projection, soundscapes and music. These dramatic tools sculpt a powerful, humorous and moving portrayal of a modern day woman and the ever-increasing struggles she faces on a daily basis.
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| What | I'm a Phoenix, Bitch, Battersea Arts Centre review |
| Where | Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, London, SW11 5TN | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Clapham Junction (overground) |
| When |
20 Feb 19 – 09 Mar 19, 8:00 PM – 9:20 PM |
| Price | £15 - £30 |
| Website | Click here for more information, including matinees |