★★★
Let me caveat everything I’m about to say with the simple that Athanasia Kontou is awesome, and a refreshing talent. She’s constructed an original hour that takes us through the very personal journey of someone born with holes in their heart. It cleverly uses personal diary entries and musical performances to share the story. I personally loved the way she used synthesizers and breathing apparatuses as she manipulated her voice recordings.
This form made for compelling viewing. Where I started to struggle with the piece was the lengthy ‘stand-up’ scenes. I felt it veered without direction. Not quite story-telling, not quite full-on comedy. It made the hour disjointed and also left me grasping for a narrative.
That said, Kontou’s ability to make something as terrifying as heart surgery into something light and musical is an impressive feat. She really tapped into a vulnerable part of herself and her audience, whilst making us all laugh in the process.
It is worth seeing this show for the musical interludes alone, and, even if I wasn’t won over by the overt comedy sections, much of the audience were in hysterics, so what do I know?
A Different Kind of Heartbreak is on at Just the Tonic Mash House until August 17th
