★★★★✰
Available to stream throughout February for LGBT History Month, Alexis Gregory’s Riot Act takes the audience on a journey through 60 years of LGBT history. The show consists of three monologues that are created entirely from interviews with a Stonewall survivor, a radical drag artist, and an AIDS campaigner. First we hear Michael’s story, who played a part in the Stonewall Riots after moving to New York at the age of 17. Next is Lavinia, a drag queen who discusses how being gay felt like an illness. Finally it’s Paul, a member of the AIDS activist group ACT UP. Each monologue is fascinating and poignant, and it was easy for me to follow despite having little knowledge of LGBT history.
All the monologues are performed by Gregory. His acting is exquisite, and he seamlessly slips between each character’s different personalities. Lavinia’s movements are underpinned with a subtle elegance, while Michael’s anger at being snubbed by younger gay men is barely controlled. When discussing the Stonewall Riots, there is a glint of pride in his eyes, while later in the production he struggles to hold back his tears recounting the men who died with AIDS. His commitment and attention to detail must be commended.
The show translates brilliantly into the digital medium. Mostly, we are presented with a close-up shot of Gregory as he delivers the monologues on stage at the Hackney Empire. During the monologues, the camera cuts away to the previous characters, who are sitting in the audience. Although not completely necessary, it adds a sense of cohesion, as well as variety, to the show.
We also see glimpses of the actor rehearsing his lines in the dressing room. While this works well in the opening to set the scene, reverting to this at the end of the show feels slightly disjointed, especially as the previous scene takes the audience outside to watch Paul hand out leaflets to promote ACT UP.
The lighting also plays a large role by mirroring the themes of the script: when the tone becomes more sombre, the lights dim to a muted blue. A bright white light is used to simulate the white light used in the Stonewall Inn to alert customers that there may be a police raid, while neon flashing lights symbolise ecstasy use among gay men.
Serious topics such as police brutality, homophobia and the AIDS epidemic are at the heart of the production, but it does not feel too heavy. This is, in part, down to the humour that is sprinkled throughout the production, but also the optimistic hope and pride in the community that shines through. Of course, society still has a long way to go, as the ending of the production stresses, but the monologues highlight the progress that we have made towards equality.
A vital piece of verbatim theatre, Riot Act is essential viewing for anyone wishing to learn more about queer history.
Riot Act is available to stream on demand until 28 February.
Words by Ellen Leslie
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