Luca Rutherford’s captivating solo show, YOU HEARD ME, recently took to the stage at Sheffield Theatres’ Playhouse.
This autobiographical performance was a powerful and intimate exploration of a traumatic experience that Luca endured during a run.
While containing descriptions of sexual violence, it was presented in a way that was neither explicit nor scary to watch. In fact, it felt more cathartic and empowering.
Throughout the performance, she delves into her own feelings but opts mainly to convey this through symbolism rather than words. The recurring imagery of Luca struggling to clean up the confetti cannon mess and her constant movement around the stage added layers of complexity to the narrative and highlighted the inescapability of these experiences.
The turning point in the performance comes when Luca raises her voice, breaking her previous solemn and calm tone. She passionately shouts, ‘Don’t touch my hair,’ a poignant reference to the lasting trauma from the attack.
However, the most memorable parts take place towards the end of the 50-minute performance. We see Luca converse with herself, encouraging herself to ‘take up space’ and ‘be angry.’ The punchy statement, ‘Don’t be a f***ing lady,’ is yelled at the top of her voice, not only challenging societal expectations but adding a depth to Luca’s personal journey of healing and self-discovery that can be related to.
Surprisingly, amidst the darkness of the topic, YOU HEARD ME also weaves in humour. Luca’s helium-filled voice, as she admits to the urge to punch someone in the face, offers a clever and unexpected moment of levity. This balance of intense emotion and humour added a layer of relatability to the performance.
YOU HEARD ME is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged solo show that leaves a lasting impression. Luca Rutherford’s fearless performance, combined with her unique storytelling style created a powerful experience. It is a show that speaks not only to Luca’s personal journey but also to the broader themes of empowerment and resilience.
Rating: 3.5/5
