Although some metaphors here may not be the freshest (the narrative of killing a former self has become fairly common in transition discourse – see Carrie Marshall’s trans memoir, Carrie Kills A Man as one example, or the term ‘deadname’), Diana Salles still manages to make this a compelling and super impressive solo show.
Salles, a Brazilian-born, Berlin-based circus artist, begins in a floor-length black lace gown, attending her own maudlin funeral, before slithering up aerial silks. Her artistry is stunning; a blend of athletic power and slippery grace. She gets across the grief, weariness, loneliness and confusion that her trans experience involves, with help from Barbie pink latex, strobe lights and club beats. One sequence where she morphs back and forth between slouchy masc and sassy femme movements is a slick embodiment of her own duality, uncomfortable as that clearly makes her. A transphobic incident in a German nightclub, suicidal thoughts and external pressure to feel guilty about her transition are all covered, with a doll-like vulnerability in stark contrast to her acrobatic confidence.
Tammy Wynette’s ‘Stand By Your Man’, although a banger, might be an overplayed queer cabaret anthem, but Salle’s triumphant beaming along to it for the finale is beautiful.
Delusional – I Killed a Man, Summerhall, until 24 Aug, 3.05pm