Written and Performed by Amy Conway

Directed by Beth Morton

Review by Dominic Corr

Touring Tickets

We know there is nothing more deafening than silence, but breaking a cycle of it echoes louder than thunder. No matter what, the ripples still exist—in silence, unchallenged. It would be wrong to say that Catafalque was an enjoyable experience. Some of Amy Conway’s jokes add levity, but Scissor Kick are renowned for their boldness. Their latest production is courageous, harrowing, and confrontational in concept, inviting you to a unique and challenging experience.

A fascinating exploration of grief, guilt, and rage, Conway’s one-woman performance needles itself across comedy, spoken word, and repressed fury as Fern they come to pay respects and do their job at a wake, a civil celebrant who cannot shake the knowledge and horror of what they have uncovered the circumstances of this passing, and the truths of those in the room, after the deceased mother speaks with Fern – setting her down a path of discovery. But then again, we shouldn’t speak ill of the dead, should we?

Conceptually, Catafalque’s stillness creates a unique break away from the Fringe frenzy – a stoic hour in the presence of a multi-layered medley of high-trajectory and soft-spoken words. It may take a bit of time to fully engage, but once it does, and certainly by the final revelation – Catafalque offers one of the most unique and impactful experiences of the Fringe.

There’s too much solemness to the affair, structurally finding a few dragging points that audiences need to push through to make it to the more intimate and engaging moments or revelations. The energy in the setting means movement is initially limited – something Scissor Kick‘s production usually excels in. And so, it comes to the word and tone, both excellent in theory but struggle a little in practice – the direction isn’t focused on Conway or the spacious set and seems to be swithering around.

The rage here is quiet, subdued, but still effective. More so, given the nature of performance. A few bumps along the road do a disservice to this faux service, which is easily managed for its upcoming tour. A necessary show with a talented team behind it, Catafalque is silent no more – and it never will be; speaking to endless generations of those who have held their tongue at the cost of their peace to grant abusers a peace they have never deserved in our fanatic fear and ‘respect’ for the deceased.

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