They are back this year at The Space on Niddry Street with all three of their previous shows in an ever-changing rotation that includes at least two shows a day.
I came to "And Then The Rodeo Burned Down" with a lot of high expectations. They seemed to have it all: the rave reviews, the awards, the front cover feature of The List! Having already been let down with some award-winning shows this fringe season, I was cautious about whether or not I would enjoy it.
I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY!
From the moment they stepped onstage, you could tell these two understood stage presence. The discipline, talent, and physical control that these two performers have is just simply mind-blowing. I have seen a lot of shows where actors are supposed to perform in sync and you can always find moments where they falter just a smidge. However, Xhloe and Natasha have achieved perfection in this play, even the smallest of their movements in perfection synchronisation.
The story itself starts off simple. A rodeo clown wants to be a cowboy and is suddenly being followed about by his sentient shadow. We are told that the rodeo is the best place in the world and the happiest place in the world, yet we are slowly shown that the reality is very different. There is a hierarchy in the rodeo, from the shit shovel boys to the cowboys. No one thinks of anyone below them on the chain, either wanting to climb to the top or doing whatever they can to keep others from joining them in their place. Notably during the show, there is also a touching moment where we get the perspective of a rodeo bull, a moment that brought me to genuine tears.
The play snaps about 3/4 of the way through, switching to the actors trying to figure out the ending rather than playing on as usual, saying they can't afford to keep the lights on. It becomes a panicked, choreographed mess, the two actors picking fights with one another over the tiniest of things, knowing the rodeo needs to be burned down but being unable to decide who will be the one to do it.
It's reflective of the American Dream, how, when closely examined, it is not all its cracked up to be. It needs to be fixed, but who will do it? How will they do it? Will we ever get a clear idea or will we forever be stuck in an ever changing conversation of ideas, bickering, and no action?
This is absurdism at it's finest. Xhloe and Natasha know their craft inside and out. This is meticulously thought-out, with years of research, training, and experience, all of which ooze of this performance.
They've both heard it from much bigger names than little ole tonylovesthefringe, but well done! They are both superstars and with performers like them having a genuine love of theatre, the drive to push boundaries, and the talent to mesmerise us, I can rest easy knowing that the future of theatre is safe.
It goes without saying that Xhloe and Natasha are well-deserving of a Fantastic Fringe Award [I know it's no fringe first, but its all I have!] and, of course, 5 stars!
I wish Xhloe and Natasha a fantastic career, and I wish all of you an absolutely fantastic fringe!
Love,
Tony x
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