Written by Sophie Craig and produced by The REcreate Agency, I Love You, Now What? is a heart wrenching and accurate depiction of the process of grief and how it transforms the life of those who it impacts. Upon entering the theatre there was a tissue on the seat with the words ‘you might need this’ on it. Spoiler, the tissue was right.
I Love You, Now What? starts with Ava entering the stage with a lit sparkler, discussing how her father was dying of brain cancer and had suffered a stroke. The sparkler acts as a symbol of time running out.
The play is not only about the loss of a loved one, but it is also about how relationships change when someone dies. Throughout the play Ava, and her partner Theo, struggle with their relationship as she is struggling with her grief. Ava references that, for her, the loss of her father is earthshattering, her favourite person on earth is no longer there; the fact that everyone else moved on quickly but her pain never seems to end. This raw portrayal allowed the audience to see how a griever can be left stuck in time, while everyone else is able to carry on as normal.
Upon entering the theatre, centre stage is a piano, which along with a seat is the only set on the stage. The piano seems to be the link between Ava and her father, who both clearly have a passion for music. As he becomes sick and then dies the piano separates; a symbol of the straining of their relationship whilst he is unwell, the ultimate separation upon his death.
Some of the best writing from Craig covered the theme of anticipatory grief. The idea that you know you are going to lose someone before you do is heart-breaking, and the exceptional writing showed this with Ava and her discussion with Theo. I also really liked how Ava’s therapist recognised that, no matter how old or how someone dies, the sadness and pain you feel is valid. Within the play, there is a reference that grief is a ‘shit club’ that no one asks to be in. This raw writing is what allows the audience to connect with the cast onstage.
What really clenched the 5th star for me was the play’s ability to be so sad, yet funny, witty and clever all round. With its ability to encapsulate reality on the stage, I was able to laugh and cry, which itself is the perfect representation of grief. I Love you, Now What? is a show you will not want to miss.
I Love you, Now What? is on at Pleasance at 3:35pm until 28th August. Tickets are available at https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/i-love-you-now-what
Image by Alex Brenner provided to The Student as press material.
