The Ego is a self-assured analysis into transgressive behaviour and the violation of boundaries in the cut-throat world of acting and entertainment. It is whimsical, honest, and vulnerable, and shows the parts of life we tend to hide from the outside world.
While the theme is important, the balance between what is consequential material and what is satirical is hard to follow. Whether to laugh in the face of hysterical crying, or to nod along in apologetic empathy, is anyone’s guess.
Despite the initial confusion, the overarching message of ‘don’t touch me and don’t enter my personal space’ remains poignant throughout. Performers Anemone Valcke and Verona Verbakel manage to navigate this difficult topic with easy wit, avoiding blaming the perpetrators or fishing for sympathy, simply laying out the status quo.
With just two chairs and a screen, they expose their weakest moments in the profession, proudly sharing their stories through clips of them in tears and dancing chaotically in their underwear, before a moving speech interrogating the problems of the industry. Amidst an abundance of Fringe shows discussing hardship with varying degrees of success,The Ego stands out for balancing the seriousness of its themes with engaging comedic writing.
The Ego, ZOO Playground, until 24 Aug (not 18), 1.25pm