The Ballerina brings the face off of the century: Colin Clutterbuck, a British diplomat with razor-sharp wit, versus Pacifique Muamba, an unrelenting interrogator.

Upon entering the Cavern, you are greeted by a cast member in a bunny mask who hands you a card; you immediately know you’re in for an out-of-the-norm show. The rest of the characters are gathered in the center of the room, some dancing, some with their hands up, visibly shaking. Colin (Dominique Izabella Little) is forcibly brought in, frantically speaking French, evidently in distress. We learn she is being detained as Pacifique (Edward Nkom) begins to question her while confidently and maddeningly repeating “We know who you work for.”

There is a content warning for violence as there is simulation torture. It is a very intense show that is hard to watch at times. It pushes boundaries but accomplishes its intention – to start a conversation. It questioned Western ideals, giving an outside perspective of Western democracy, especially in the UK and the USA, and pinpointed issues of Westernization.

It held my undivided attention, which is impressive as most of the show just consisted of two people talking (intensely). Little and Naomi’s acting is incredible. I can’t imagine how taxing this show is on Little, and I commend her for taking this role. The show develops at a good pace: it wasn’t too slow to where it dragged and not too fast to where I couldn’t understand what was happening.

The Ballerina takes its rightful place in the Vault Festival, and I’d encourage anyone to see it.

{🎟 AD – PR invite – Tickets were gifted in exchange for an honest review}

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