This new one-act play from Slumber Party Productions looks at issues around gender identity, specifically the identity of Caileigh, whose disappearance the plot explores.
Caileigh has been feminine, a woman, a girlfriend, up to the point she starts questioning who and what she is, assuming they/them pronouns, and dressing in a more masculine style.
Boyfriend Faruk, gay friend Max, and straight friend Maureen rally around with support, or so they think. In a series of flashbacks, we see scenes played out that tell another story.
Set around one table which stands for a variety of locations, each of the characters has their moment to add a piece to the puzzle.
All, that is, except Caileigh, whose final monologue – heavily overscored with music that drained its power – finally gives them the chance to affirm herself.
This is a devised piece between Victoria Sasso (Caileigh and co-director), Harun Cehovic (Faruk and co-director), Matthias Moret (Max) and Helen Percival.
Actor Tiffany Elana King joins the cast of the London run as Maureen. The play is full of conversations but a sense of the dramatic isn’t quite there yet.
There are important conversations to be had about the gender binary, trans identity, and how both fit into the LGBTQ community. It is very much a current topic of conversation.
The Last Time I Saw Caileigh attempts to give some of these issues and topics a place, but, at little over an hour, such weighty matters need more space to breathe.
I enjoyed all the performances. King’s Maureen trying to keep the peace without putting her foot in it. Cehovic’s hurt disintegration as harsh truths are told. Moret’s inclusive yet wrongfooted Max.
Sasso – very believable throughout – has the hardest role in a way because Caileigh can not yet articulate what it is about their body and identity that feels wrong.
The play can’t quite do this, either, unless jeans and a shirt and a refusal to wear high heels immediately marks you as embarrassingly different.
Each scene could be developed further should the team wish to do so. Does a wonderful mother still exist if she misgenders her child? Can a gay man have the choice to ‘pass’ without comment?
What really does identify a woman? Who are the selves we leave unshared and unseen? The play is a strong attempt to connect the pieces.
This will resonate with those exploring who they are outside of the gender binary and their allies, families and partners.
It acknowledges that the world and our place in it is not simple. Acceptance is the key.
The Last Time I Saw Caileigh continues at Barons Court Theatre until 22 Jun with tickets here.
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Image credit: Cameron Heath Sasso-Briggs