Octopus Children – Dublin Fringe Festival – Review

FELISPEAKS – Presented by THISISPOPBABY
Performances  5 Sept, 21:00 (preview), 6 – 7 Sept , 21:00, 11 – 14 Sept, 18:15, 12 & 14 Sept, 13:00

Venue – Project Arts Centre – Space Upstairs

FeliSpeaks (They/ Them)

In this production, we meet a young Felicia Olusanya (FeliSpeaks) as they struggle to come to terms with their sexual identity in a small town in Ireland. We see Felicia’s family life with a traditional African father and mother, along with Felicia’s brother and friends. They have an unusual figure to guide them through these difficult years, with the Octopus acting as their spirit animal, giving them insight into the world around them.

Felicia Olusanya, also known as FeliSpeaks, was born in Nigeria before moving to Longford in 2003 at the age of 8. The play is set somewhere in their teenage years, as we see their trips to the local disco and their lack of interest in kissing the local boys. Instead, they remember the furtive and innocent happenings with a young girl. At first, they are unwilling to accept how different they are, but it becomes clear they will only be happy if they embrace this part of themselves.

FeliSpeaks has been performing on the stage in Ireland in a variety of guises for many years. They have previously performed as part of THISISPOPBABY’s RIOT show, along with opening for artists such as Kae Tempest and Saul Williams. FeliSpeaks is a Poet. Performer, Playwright, and Artist, and takes a multidisciplinary approach to theatre making.

This is not a traditional or straightforward coming-of-age story. FeliSpeaks, along with directors Oonagh Murphy & Esosa Ighodaro, tells the story through music, dance and song, with seven artists on stage. While scenes are performed, illustrating the family dynamic in their kitchen, we also see traditional and modern dance, as well as song and rap. The setting changes quickly and diverts the production in different directions.

The piece has a strong visual element, with a darkly lit set and occasional strong lighting. There is a live percussionist on stage throughout, along with recorded sound and live vocals. Dancers Tobi Omoteso and Favour Odusola add to the visual element of the performance.

While discussions rage on social media about the use of the Irish flag to signify a worldview, it is heartening to see a young artist who is black, gay and quintessentially Irish. One of the most interesting aspects of the Fringe Festival is that it gives a voice to artists from different walks of life. FeliSpeaks is a new voice with something unique to say, and this production marks their coming of age as a theatre maker.

Written by FELISPEAKS

Directed by Oonagh Murphy & Esosa Ighodaro

Composer Anna Mullarkey

Set & AV Design Jack Phelan

Costume Therese McKeone

Choreography Tobi Omoteso

Lighting Design Sarah Jane Shiels

Cast feat. FELISPEAKS, Tishé Fatunbi, Tierra Porter, Favour Odusola, Tobi Omoteso, Tommy Salami and Soffiyah Adewoyin

Stage Manager Sophie Flynn

Assistant Stage Manager & Design Associate Anika Kidd

Production Manager Olivia Drennan

Contributing Dramaturg Inua Ellams

Work Placement Soffiyah Adewoyin

Interns Bernie Bourke & Hannah McDonald

Producer Carla Rogers