HIGH STEAKS - REVIEW - JACKSON'S LANE ARTS CENTRE

Eloina’s High Steaks is a raw and honest show about the shame some feel about their labia. With the majority of labiaplasties being performed for purely cosmetic reasons in the present day, our schools failing to teach us about the uniqueness of everyone’s vagina, and the media only showing edited or surgically altered versions of bodies, it’s no wonder we can feel self-conscious, and spend a lot of time comparing our bodies to others. This show is born from Eloina’s personal experiences, she wanted a labiaplasty from the age of 10.

High Steaks was performed at the Vault Festival and Edinburgh Fringe this year, receiving widespread critical acclaim; the show is now on a UK tour.

Combining clowning, cooking, and performance art, Eloina is nude throughout, the purpose of which is to create a safe space, to desensitise us and herself from her body, to educate the audience, and to empower. Eloina is a charismatic performer, the opening of the show is delightfully awkward as she pops up, soon entering the space wearing an accordion – she admits this is because someone told her it would be rude to begin a show naked.

High Steaks uses recorded interviews throughout to allow us to hear from other people about their experiences, it’s truly inclusive with interviewees including trans and non-binary people of all ages. These allow us to hear from a variety of perspectives, which is powerful and effective. Eloina’s mum Annie is incorporated within the show, with it explained that she tried to be open with her body, to avoid Eloina ever feeling shameful about hers, the point of this being to remind us that it’s okay to speak or show our bodies, in fact, it is really important. Including Annie adds a sentimental feel to the show, making it more personal and heartwarming to see such a beautiful, open, and supportive relationship between the two.

High Steaks is completely unique, vitally important, and moving. I left the performance feeling empowered, Eloina has created something truly special, thought-provoking, and vulnerable. One of the most powerful pieces of theatre I have seen this year, which sticks in your mind long after you’ve left the auditorium. My only small critique is that the show did run longer than the advertised running time. This is a piece of theatre aimed at everyone but will be particularly relatable to those with labia, although the message of body shaming and self-love is one to empower everyone.

High Steaks is currently on tour – find out more here!

{🎟 AD: PR Invite – Tickets gifted in exchange for an honest review}

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