OPIA Collective: The Girl With Glitter In Her Eye

by Rose Collard

OPIA Collective’s The Girl With Glitter In Her Eye is an ambitious, theatrical piece that explores the narrative – and most importantly, the ownership of the narrative – around trauma. Written and directed by Masha Keninovna, the play tells the story of a friendship complicated by the revelation of trauma. It poses the question: is it possible to tell someone’s story without silencing them along the way?

The overall idea for the show was clever; bringing Greek mythology into a modern day setting in order to tell a timeless tale. However, there seemed to be a lot going on and a great deal of confused metaphor at times. Though the chorus worked well – the three female actors’ voices blending to an eerie crescendo – I found it distracting rather than compelling when offstage chorus members sat on the side-lines and remained in character, rhythmically moving their bodies and staring creepily at the other actors.

The most moving parts of the show happened during Modupe Salu as Helen’s monologues – these were powerful, persuasive and engaging. Of particular note would be the moment when she tries to imagine herself in the position of her friend Phil, who has suffered a trauma, by thinking about which colours she would use to paint the experience.

Naomi Gardener must also be commended for her immensely entertaining physicality. As both the Swan and the Art Director she stamped character into both parts, had bountiful energy and was deserving of the great deal of laughter she got from the audience.

The use of original music in the show was fitting and Ben Ramsden, the musician, did a fine job of not distracting from the action on stage, but remaining very much a part of the production. A particularly enjoyable moment of his performance was when he and Naomi Gardener sang together.

Perhaps of biggest impact was the set, which was beautiful and intricate. As a space The Bunker has an uncanny ability to transform into almost anything. In this case, the blue hues of the set enveloped the audience upon arrival, and the kaleidoscopic aura created by the actors glittering, sequinned costumes and the hanging mobile of what looked like glass shards was an elegant nod to the show’s mythological roots.

It did seem a little jarring however, that there was a fridge full of branded drinks (Smart Water, Appletizer) when the milk cartons and cups in the café – where the main of the play’s action takes place – were plain white and unbranded. A slightly misguided metaphor, perhaps, which could have been avoided.

I would also have liked to see more of the main storyline – Helen’s compromise of her friendship with Phil – in the show. It was moving and had the potential for depth but was underdeveloped. That said, the moment of revelation between the two was sensitively and cleverly done; a perfect way to convey the secrecy and horror trauma is shrouded in.

It was a fitting end to the show that the three actors, Modupe Salu, Naomi Gardener, Anna Mackay and Ben Ramsden, the musician, stood together and spoke to the audience about the charity (The Maya Collective) their The Girl With Glitter In Her Eye is raising money for. It really brought home the realities of those who have suffered trauma and made me think even harder about the themes raised by the show. The clear dedication the cast has for the cause was very apparent and is a testament to the entire team. Though as a piece of theatre, for me it missed the mark, I applaud OPIA Collective for the social impact of their show and wish them all the best for the remainder of The Girl With Glitter In Her Eye’s run.

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The Girl With Glitter In Her Eye is on from 13th – 27th January at The Bunker Theatre, London. You can buy tickets here.

Follow OPIA Collective on Twitter or check out their website.

Donate to The Maya Centre here. They provide counselling for women with mental health issues which may stem from trauma.