Light In Her Eye

Light In Her Eye
By Louise Helfgott. Tempest Theatre. Fringe World. Directed by Susie Conte. Lady Beaufort, Beaufort St Community Centre, Mt Lawley, WA. Feb 2-18

Light in Her Eye, written by Louise Helfgott, directed by Susie Conte and performed by Ana Ika, for Tempest Theatre, is a mesmerising monologue that gives a unique perspective on identity.

Anoush, a young woman born in Iran of Armenian heritage, is trying to find the perfect costume to reflect her inner self for a fancy dress party. Trying burquas, hijab, saris, traditional Armenian dress and what may pass as ‘Australian’, she attempts to find the real Anoush.

Ana Ika, a recent graduate of WAAPA’s Diploma of Acting, has a beautiful depth and the skills to hold an audience in a solo performance for 30 minutes. She makes the story her own and has a tangible truth that is even more impressive in a tiny venue, in which you can see every eyelid flutter.

Presenting company Tempest Theatre is formed for women, by women, to present stories about women, and the venue, Lady Beaufort, has similar aims - as Fringe World’s first all female venue. 

Light In Her Eye is a fascinating story that is beautifully told. Well worth taking half an hour to experience very thoughtful writing, directing and performance.

Kimberley Shaw

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