Variations for Two Disabled Bodies – Project Arts Centre – Review

by Bobbi Byrne & Soso Ní Cheallaigh

Performances 10 Sept, 18:30 (preview), 11 – 13 Sept, 18:30
Venue – Project Arts Centre – Cube

Bobbi Byrne and Soso Ní Cheallaigh are two individuals who deal with disabilities in an impressive manner. This production takes us through the way their various disabilities affect their bodies in a humorous and lighthearted way, while also showcasing their love of dance, film and music. They are not people who feel sorry for themselves or ask you to feel sorry for them. Instead, they see their disabilities as challenges which they can overcome.

Bobbi Byrne has a congenital disability that means she has one ‘boring normal’ arm and one ‘cool, small’ arm. Soso Ní Cheallaigh suffers from several syndromes and disorders, which affect, amongst other things, their balance and movement. The two performers take us through these disabilities with the use of a flip chart, telling us the various medical terms and how each diagnosis affects their lives. If this sounds boring or even grim, it’s anything but as the performers use gags and jokes throughout.

They use time signatures in music to discuss the asymmetry of Bobbi’s body. It’s an inventive approach to explain something an able-bodied person wouldn’t be able to understand otherwise.

There are frequent dance scenes, including a memorable piece inspired by Davina McCall’s workout video from the mid-90s. The music is varied, from songs such as Pavement’s 5-4=Unity to Dave Brubeck’s Take Five. There are also frequent explorations of movie soundtracks, with The Terminator, The Shining and more. As with much of this year’s Fringe, there is also a Trans element, and a discussion on Trans rights.

It’s an impressive piece that explains how disabilities affect individuals in a relatable and comic fashion, delving much deeper than you would expect.