Cast and Creatives
A gay, cannibal true-crime rom-com... that's a first for me. This revised version of the 2019 production lives up to the reviews from it's first release. It is thoroughly enjoyable without trying too hard. Based on the 2001 consensual cannibalism true-crime community staple committed by Armin Meiwes, Fiji shines a different light on what a cannibal might typically be presented like in the media.
Sam, Pedro Leandro, spends the weekend leading up to his death with Nick , Eddie Loodmer-Elliott after he responded to Sam's online add offering someone the opportunity to eat him. Both the men are absolutely captivating and grasp your attention for the entire duration of this single location, two man show which is notoriously difficult. It is clear they both thoroughly understand their characters which both come through in the writing and acting.
There is a real intimacy created between Sam and Nick with the repetitive cutting to the pair playing 36 questions, a “game” where supposedly after answering a set of 36 question honestly and staring at each other for Two minutes the participants develop a deeper connection. None of the answers to the various questions are directly relevant to the main plot however they add humanity to the characters. The change of presentation, from a naturalistic conversational style to the two actors standing either side of the stage facing the audience in a spotlight, breaks up the hour long show keeping you engaged the whole time.
“You being a part of me forever excites me”
The pair start the performance using a lot of double entendres that can be seen as sex related if someone isn't aware of what the show is about. However I couldn't identify a clear moment where they transition into explicitly talking about Sam being eaten which makes it quite jarring when they go into detail about how Nick will go about the process. This happens early on in the piece as they continue to deliberately go about discussing the events so the audience can't misinterpret their intentions but is notable enough for me to take away with me.
By the end you are so immersed in their relationship you're a wreck by the end. I think this play is a completely unique idea presented beautifully. I enjoyed every moment the performers were on stage and couldn't stop thinking about if after.
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