Cecilia Gentili was a powerhouse. An Argentinian trans woman, artist and activist for the rights of trans people and sex workers, Red Ink is her autobiographical solo show charting her early life in Argentina, spanning to her transition and coming into her own as a trans woman, to her entry into sex work and her later move to New York. Keeping her memory and legacy alive, Red Ink takes to the stage this Fringe, portrayed by Brooklyn artist Chiquitita.
Capturing Gentili’s legacy in this way is a formidable role to fill, but Chiquitita does it with flair, wit and a genuine charisma that breathes a distinct warmth into the material. Retelling encounters with her early experiences with Christianity evolving into atheism, the role of faith recurs throughout the performance in sometimes unexpected and memorable ways. Humour is paired with what are often painful experiences, but this is never at the expense of candour and vulnerability, nor does it veer into the maudlin. Rather, humour serves as a tool to affirm Gentili as author of her own story: an unapologetic claiming of ownership over a life lived, even in the face of immense hardships, with true, bold authenticity.
Cecilia Gentili’s Red Ink, Underbelly Bristo Square, until 25 Aug (not 12, 19), 2.30pm