Shapeshifting

“I loved the clever use of very simple scenic elements to create different effects and emotions. The scenes where the actress plays with the materials are very powerful. She is incredibly versatile, a very strong stage presence.”

“A story many people can identify with. Anyone who has been forced to learn the language and felt like they have lost part of themselves.”

“Very entertaining. I’m not Italian but speak a bit of the language and I laughed out loud at some of the scenes. I also appreciated how the show describes an Italy that isn’t the one we get to see as tourists. I’m from Sheffield and had no idea similar realities existed in Italy. I realise how little we know about most European countries. Also how casual xenophobia is really engrained in our culture”.

“I don’t need to hear you speak to know you’re foreign. I can tell by the way you walk into a room. You should practice. Next time you go shopping, walk into a shop like an English woman…
HOW DO ENGLISH WOMEN WALK INTO SHOPS?”

Lara Parmiani performs a kaleidoscopic piece inspired by her journey from a grey, industrial, Italian suburb to 1997 London, taking audiences through 25 years of navigating language, gender cliches and anti-migrant narratives - from Cool to Cruel Britannia.

What happens when a woman is forced to negotiate two cultures, while not identifying with either?

Through storytelling, physical theatre, and visual elements, Shapeshifting explores the profound intersection between migration and gender. Can a woman decide to leave just for herself?

"You left, made yourself a migrant... and you don't even have children or a husband there, you live a selfish life, away from reality."

Following a sold-out performance in Sheffield funded by the Migration Matters Festival, Shapeshifting mixed storytelling, physical theatre, projections and music into a performance that is moving, hilarious, at times brimming with anger and completely captivating.

A poetic exploration of gaining and losing language – and yourself

WRITTEN/PERFORMED BY:
Lara Parmiani

DIRECTOR:
Becka McFadden

LENGTH:
55 minutes

LegalAliens

LegalAliens Theatre is a Theatre of Sanctuary, committed to welcoming to all those seeking refuge.