Review: Identity

Review and photography by Georgia Haupt

Identity by D.I.V.E Theatre Collective exemplifies the transformative power of Anywhere Festival, pulling audiences from the traditional theatre settings into an immersive journey where identity is questioned, realised, disputed, and playfully examined. The unconventional standing arrangement and constant audience movement heightens engagement, ensuring participation isn’t optional, because this show is unquestionably about everyone.

This powerful production combines poetic spoken word with dynamic movement and dance, supported by setting and costume design that completely transports viewers from the North Lakes Community Centre into a devised world of fractured whispers. When a mysterious voice from beyond the tech desk calls audiences to move beyond their painted boundaries, prepare to be called out in good humour.

The show’s genius lies in its ability to forge connection through shared vulnerability. D.I.V.E Theatre’s masterful incorporation of audience participation reminds us that despite feeling isolated, we all grapple with labels and identity in different ways and capacities. Identity reminds us that beneath surface differences, we can discover profound commonalities.

Audiences leave with a deepened sense of community, understanding that we’re not as separate as boundaries and labels might suggest. Identity proves that connection transcends face value – we are not so different after all!