Jade Anouka’s autobiographical play ‘Heart’ begins as a perfect love story. She’s 24, wedding bells are ringing and she’s found her soulmate. ‘All the boxes have been ticked,’ she says. But spoiler alert: this is not the dream romance. Soon, the fantasy curdles and by 28, she’s divorced, sofa surfing and trying to write the next chapter of her life as she realises she’s bisexual. But, while her play is braided with sincerity and heartache, it’s rocky as a finished theatrical package.
It soon becomes obvious that the story is secondary to the form. Accompanist Grace Savage – who (another spoiler) we eventually learn is Anouka’s now wife – provides a near-constant beatbox and electro-inspired soundtrack. Anouka speaks in rhyme over the top, and while some of her poetry is marvellous, other parts are deeply forgettable. There is plenty of tired imagery too. Depression is described as a ‘beast’ that emerges from the shadows and eats away at life’s joy – it might be a strong visual painting but it is unoriginal.
Often the two performers look out of balance with one another: the focus is on the play’s sound; we need a richer narrative. Anouka’s performance is electrifyingly raw. But this disjointed hybrid doesn’t feel like the right form for her story.