Overflow

A female toilet in a nightclub is the unassuming setting of this powerful play. Rosie, played by Janet Anderson (she/her), finds herself trapped in the toilet and is surrounded by menacing thumps on the walls and door. The presence of trans women in this social space has become not only contentious but also dangerous. The terrible harm of the threat of physical or psychological harm as a result of an everyday act is forcefully portrayed in this show. Overflow provides a strong and emphatic voice to the trans community. Rosie's voice is not one of acquiescence or resentment but a fiery determination to be herself. 

In this very demanding monologue Rosie reminisces about her bathroom experience and tales of solidarity, camaraderie and the difficult politics of the bathroom are vividly brought to life in her animated accounts. Anderson provides a breath-taking performance that delivers a range of complex emotions where her resilience is fuelled by anger, despair, irony and humour. Her delivery of this enormously rich text is formidable and allows the play to speak candidly and directly to its audience.

The allegorical use of the flooding toilet operates as an important metaphor for the constant, unrelenting and ubiquitous presence of danger. The idea that there is a pervasive potential to drown is made compelling. The set design is ingenious, creating a claustrophobic ambience to enhance the sense of entrapment and a world closing in on you. The dominance of steely colours and objects captures the location with impeccable accuracy and a fabulous flair in design. Rosie’s costuming by Jamaica Moana (she/her), highlights Anderson’s beautiful form and the lighting by Benjamin Brockman (they/them), always highlights her beauty. The restricted use of space in the staging can be somewhat limiting and keeps Rosie’s often confronting monologue distant or remote from the audience. 

Alabanza’s acclaimed play has made its way from the UK retaining all the specificity and authenticity of the story and nothing is lost in its Australian translation.

Patricia Di Risio 

Photographer: Robert Catto