Otherland ★★★ Almeida Theatre | Feb 12 - Mar 15, 2025


Otherland tells the story of two friends from university who marry, divorce and then go on to recreate new lives. Harry is a trans woman who must face a great many heartrending challenges, from passports to parents. After their separation, her ex, Jo, enters a relationship with Gabby, a woman who is determined to have a baby at all costs, although Jo is more than reluctant to become a parent. Both stories are beautifully told with friends of the two women acting as a chorus who provide a running commentary on the dual narratives. Considering that Harry's story is about her transition and its challenges, it's almost disconcerting that she is presented as an attractive young woman from the outset. Some of the pain of Harry's struggle is lost because we do not have an opportunity to share in her changes. To some extent however, this may be mitigated by the clever opening of the second act which presents the struggles of each of the women in a fable format. The tale of a creature coming from the sea and learning to live on land is a powerful invocation of Harry's plight. Unfortunately for us, the parallelism of the two stories didn't quite succeed. The pains of Harry's transition are vividly presented in a way which reflects her journey as a response to a biological imperative that is bound to elicit empathy. On the other hand, the decision of Jo to surrender to her partner's bullying and to give birth seems questionable at best. The fact that she is then presented as finding "fulfilment" because she has had a child seems both a heteronormative cliché and a betrayal of her self. Nevertheless, Otherland wrestles with some important issues and a strong cast nicely directed by Ann Yee brings to life some complex characters. This is a drama about authenticity, love and growth that beautifully speaks to some universal issues.

Rated: ★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Marc Brenner

When, Where, Getting there:
Map & Location: Almeida St, London N1 1TA, UK

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