Ascension is showing at the Bedlam Theatre, presented by writer and main performer Dan Hazelwood and directed by Max Lindsay. This show is a historical drama based on the story of Leendert Hasenbosch, who was exiled for sodomy on Ascension Island in the 1700s. This show is based on Leendert’s diary, with a trigger warning for distressing themes and strong language/swearing.
Ascension is very much a mixed bag. The staging is minimal, and although there is predominantly only one performer on stage for most of the time (Hazelwood), the full stage is used. Hazelwood’s movements fully conveyed those of a caged man. It is clear Hazelwood conducted a lot of research into Leendert’s life, and the performance was deeply passionate. There were technical difficulties with the sound, and while this was handled in a highly professional manner by Hazelwood, it presented an opportunity to note that sound should be used in a more careful and selective manner, as there were moments that were far more impactful without background sound. Gareth Swindail-Parry’s sound design attempted to create a more immersive experience, but the production would have benefited more from the background sounds of the sea, for example, only applying when Leendert is on the island, not during his recounting of his life prior. A note should be made that James Appleby’s lighting design, while intended to be complementary to the production, became excessive at times with too much switching between assorted colours of lights. This is something that is to the detriment of the production and should be examined in future.
Conor Mainwaring, playing Andrew, had good chemistry with Hazelwood, and this helped sell the sweetness of their romance at times, the beautiful star-gazing scene being an example. The dancing between them was jubilant and presented a lovely moment with images of queer couples projected in the background. However, this scene went on for longer than it should have and became jarring as it was tonally very different from the rest of the show. Lindsay’s direction was good and was complementary to Hazelwood’s carefully structured writing.
Overall, Ascension succeeds in highlighting troubling elements of queer history and the truth not just of Leendert’s story but of the stories of many queer people that have been rewritten throughout history to support an anti-queer agenda. The realisation of this within the show leaves a deeply unsettling taste in the mouth, as it should. However, it is clear there is further work required to allow this show to reach its full potential.
