Ivy, burdened by her absent boyfriend and her broken-hearted brother, clings to emotional survival by repressing the pain that quietly consumes her. Ash, though free from her controlling ex-boyfriend, still struggles with his lingering shadow, leaving her unmoored in her own life. Tindall skilfully examines the suffocating inability to claim space or find belonging, particularly through the lens of sexual identity. Their meet cute takes an unexpected psychological thriller turn, as both characters wrestle with internal conflicts that make them wary of love yet uncannily attuned to be able to truly see one another. Despite an abrupt ending, the plot unfolds with ominous inevitability, delivering surprises at every twist.
Kemp-Sayfi’s Ivy is expressively wrought while Baldwin’s Ash balances awkwardness with quiet confidence. Together, they share an electrifying chemistry, their tension drawing the audience into their engrossing relationship. Their ease and charm in the storytelling is standout and their performances also highlight the play's odd yet relatable humour, providing much-needed relief from its brooding undertones.
Aboud’s direction brings to life the poetic imagery in the text with visceral precision. In movement sequences there is almost a whole other dialogue going on in the push and pull of the staging. Aboud is especially adept at invoking the oppressive presence of the absent male figures, vividly depicted through Ivy and Ash’s perspectives. The balance of the narrative between the two characters is delicately handled, sparking with intensity when their paths intersect.
Whitehead’s minimalist yellow design, complete with a matching floor, settee, and a silky backdrop, sets a sensory stage. The rippling curtain, in particular, becomes an evocative canvas for the moments of intimacy between the protagonists.
Tender is an engrossing exploration of repressed sexuality, self-discovery, and the search for belonging. Boldly creative and sensorily rich, it brings profound themes to life with captivating artistry.
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