EDINBURGH 2016 - Review: BLUSH, Underbelly, 10 August

BLUSH is described as "a slap in the face and a call to arms". Featuring five stories about revenge porn and its victims, both male and female, BLUSH is part of Underbelly Untapped.

BLUSH got off to a strong start as one woman describes wanting to pluck out the eyeballs of the 30,000 people who have viewed footage of her sister that she didn't consent to. There is a discussion about the legal loophole, that although you can be prosecuted for revenge porn, the person who shared it did it without malice and it was unfortunate that it was passed to someone who put it online.

BLUSH tells the stories of multiple people who have been involved in revenge porn, but it isn't always clear who is speaking. The narrative shifts between different characters and it can be difficult to follow who is saying what. The two actors onstage share the different stories and while they are passionate, some of the impact is lost by their over-the-top delivery.

There is an interesting social commentary as one girl feels invisible until she gets a new phone, with a great camera, and people start to comment on her looks. She finds validation in their comments and takes things further and further, desperately seeking more attention.

BLUSH has some interesting ideas but it only scratches the surface of some of the issues, instead choosing style over substance.

BLUSH runs at Underbelly until 28 August.

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