ES & FLO

Es & Flo is an utterly beautiful work that captures the unending struggles that Queer people face, even well into their latter years, and once again shines a light on how Queer women were not only on the frontlines of the liberation movement but often led the charge.

Es & Flo have been together for decades – hiding in plain sight as the world changes around them. They have cared for, grown with and loved each other through thick and thin, cultivating a life that is not without sacrifice. But the clock of time ticks on and soon the outside world readies itself to shatter their once clandestine existence.

Jennifer Lunn is a masterful storyteller, weaving a script that is equal parts fly on the wall and history lesson. Beautifully fleshed out characters lead the audience through the many difficult conversations – allowing the pain to be shared as well as the joy. It is rare to find a work that is so intrenched in history but turn into an exposition essay, but Lynn pulls it off effortlessly.

Emma Canalese’s direction often feels at odds with the script – painfully dragging the pace down and over styling transitions that not only ends up breaking tension but distracts more than enhances. The lack of cohesion between the characters is off putting as well, with deeper emotional underpinning left tepid and an unfortunate lack of nuanced dramaturgical details

Annie Byron, Eloise Snape, Fay Du Chateau, Erika Ndibe, Charlotte Salusinszky and Georgina Warren-Nwokolo are a wonderful cast, each bringing a unique energy to their characters while being equally open and giving with each other. There are moments of caricature but these are rare and easily forgiven as each actors character work further unfolds.

Soham Apte’s set is exquisitely detailed – perfect hidden gems that catch the eye and ground the work in its reality. The lighting by Luna Ang illuminates the work in all the right moments, playfully highlighting hope as it equally and eerily foreshadows the dark to come. History is punctuated throughout by Keelan Ellis – capturing a world long forgotten but held close in the minds of the characters.

The importance of the issues and themes at the heart of Es & Flo cannot be understated. It reminds audiences that we stand on the back of giants – giants whose lives need and should be honoured. As we begin to celebrate a Mardi Gras season that can feel very one-sided, Es & Flo shines a light on the stories of Queer women, that for too long remain unseen on our stages.