Lucy Meadows was a teacher at a Lancashire school who was undergoing gender reassignment. She finished the Christmas term known to everybody as Mr Upton and returned for the new year as Ms Meadows, with the full support of the headteacher. The children appeared to have no problem with this, but some parents and the Daily Mail and other tabloids did. The Mail splashed her story all over its pages. A few months later, Lucy Meadows was dead.
Lucy's story is one told in this latest piece from Belarus Free Theatre, which puts the case that everyone should be treated as individuals and not as a function of their genitalia. In the west, gender is assigned as a result of a quick peek by a nurse or doctor at a baby's birth, and then it's fixed unless gender reassignment surgery takes place. But in some cultures around the world, a third sex is accepted. On the other hand, hate crimes against transsexuals go unrecorded and uninvestigated in many countries.
The company draws together stories from down the ages and across the world in a free-flowing show that often wears its research not just on its sleeve but also all over the stage.
There is a lack of editing and this chuck-everything-in approach means the show loses both theatrical and political focus. It also seems to be a mite confused about whether it is discussing sexuality or gender, and often skims over cultural and economic issues, particularly in the section on Albania's sworn virgins.
The personal stories are strong and need to be heard, but in common with the company's previous show, Red Forest, which was about environmental disaster, the issues seem to obstruct theatrical creativity.
• Until 25 August. Box office: 0131-226 0000. Pleasance Dome.
