An Actress Prepares, Irina Dive – Zoo Roxy

** (2 stars)

Using the transcript from Marilyn Munroe’s final interview, An Actress Prepares is a one-woman show which promises to give us a surprising and revealing insight into what it takes to become an icon.

Tackling the part of the most famous sex-symbol ever to grace the silver screen is huge ask for any actor and anyone who goes to this show expecting a breathy, busty blonde on stage is in for a surprise. Instead Munroe’s words are performed by the small and slightly built figure of Irina Diva with a thick Bulgarian accent. In truth, only the peroxide wig and white high heels which stand at either side of the stage remind the audience of the woman we are supposed to be watching.

The problem with this is the feeling of disassociation from the text that it creates. We all know that Munroe was a sensitive and tragic figure, but she was also articulate and could be hugely incisive about the industry that formed and ultimately destroyed her. It’s hard to fully appreciate these attributes when the actress in question strikes poses more reminiscent of Norma Desmond than Norma Jean. I am not suggesting for a moment that Diva is anything other than a highly accomplished actor, but in this particular role, she is lost. Even in moments of high emotion from the character, I am left largely unmoved and the occasional interaction with members of the audience feels a little uncomfortable.

During the latter part of the show Diva transforms, donning the wig and shoes, with the aid of a male dresser. This sequence feels awkward and is extremely protracted, meaning that we are looking at the back of the actors head for an unnecessarily long time. Inevitably, this leads to an even greater feeling of detachment for the viewer. One irritating aspect of this evening, which has nothing to with the production, was the intrusive noise coming from other parts of the venue. I am a big fan of the Zoo Roxy as a Fringe venue, but I feel they have let one of their artists down a bit here.

Scheduled for 45 minutes, but running at only 30 minutes this show just doesn’t hit its mark. Although the effort and commitment of the performer are evident, the overall effect does not do justice to its subject.

Sara-Jane McGeachy