
Next week, Anita D'Filth aka Emily Haldane, brings their vibrant one person show to The Bread & Roses Theatre. Find out more about the evolution of the show and what to expect, below!
What inspired you to create Identity Kaleidoscope? How did this particular story come to life?
Identity Kaleidoscope was born from my personal journey as someone who identifies as queer and biracial. It’s an exploration of the multifaceted nature of identity and how we navigate the different sides of ourselves. The show dives even deeper into this by looking at how laughter is often used as an aid to shy away from facing our trauma, and how confronting this could greatly help us. I wanted to explore the delicate balance between humor and vulnerability. The idea came from realizing how often we laugh off pain, both personally and as a society, and how it’s a coping mechanism that often stops us from truly healing.
What inspired you to create Identity Kaleidoscope? How did this particular story come to life?
Identity Kaleidoscope was born from my personal journey as someone who identifies as queer and biracial. It’s an exploration of the multifaceted nature of identity and how we navigate the different sides of ourselves. The show dives even deeper into this by looking at how laughter is often used as an aid to shy away from facing our trauma, and how confronting this could greatly help us. I wanted to explore the delicate balance between humor and vulnerability. The idea came from realizing how often we laugh off pain, both personally and as a society, and how it’s a coping mechanism that often stops us from truly healing.
The show is described as a “vibrant exploration of identity.” What unique aspects of identity does the play delve into?
The show looks at both queer and biracial identity, but also addresses the broader societal habit of using laughter to push down uncomfortable experiences. It explores the fluidity of gender, race, and sexuality, while also questioning how we hide behind humor to avoid confronting deeper emotional truths. It’s about peeling back those layers of laughter and asking, “What happens when we stop joking and really look at ourselves?”
Were there any challenges during the creative process of Identity Kaleidoscope? How did you overcome them?
One of the challenges was finding the balance between the show’s playful, vibrant energy and the darker, more reflective aspects around trauma and identity. It’s a one-woman show, so it was important to get the tone just right. I also wanted the audience to laugh, but not let that laughter become a shield for avoiding deeper truths. With the help of collaborators and workshopping with audiences, we fine-tuned the balance, allowing humor to coexist with more difficult moments in a way that invites reflection.
The show looks at both queer and biracial identity, but also addresses the broader societal habit of using laughter to push down uncomfortable experiences. It explores the fluidity of gender, race, and sexuality, while also questioning how we hide behind humor to avoid confronting deeper emotional truths. It’s about peeling back those layers of laughter and asking, “What happens when we stop joking and really look at ourselves?”
Were there any challenges during the creative process of Identity Kaleidoscope? How did you overcome them?
One of the challenges was finding the balance between the show’s playful, vibrant energy and the darker, more reflective aspects around trauma and identity. It’s a one-woman show, so it was important to get the tone just right. I also wanted the audience to laugh, but not let that laughter become a shield for avoiding deeper truths. With the help of collaborators and workshopping with audiences, we fine-tuned the balance, allowing humor to coexist with more difficult moments in a way that invites reflection.

Can you tell us about all the technical aspects of the show?
This production relies heavily on digital projections, music, and lighting, all of which are integral to bringing the world of Identity Kaleidoscope to life. The creatives involved have been instrumental in building this immersive environment. Although it’s a one-woman show, the collaboration with the projections and multimedia elements brings a whole team’s worth of energy into the performance. It’s all done in mime, but the richness of sound and visuals makes it feel full and dynamic.
Who do you think will connect most with Identity Kaleidoscope and why should they see it?
Anyone who’s ever grappled with different aspects of their identity or felt fragmented will connect with the show. It’s for those who have used humor as a defense mechanism, who have laughed to avoid pain, or who have felt silenced in some way. The show invites the audience to think about how they use laughter to deal with—or avoid—their own struggles. Plus, it’s a highly interactive show, so if you love theatre that breaks the fourth wall and brings you into the story, this is for you.
What makes The Bread & Roses Theatre the ideal venue for this show?
The intimate setting of The Bread & Roses Theatre allows for a close, personal connection with the audience, which is vital for a show like this. The space supports the interactive elements and lets the audience feel like they’re part of the experience rather than passive viewers. It’s perfect for a one-woman show that leans heavily on audience participation, digital projections, and immersive lighting and sound.
What moments or experiences in the production process have stood out to you as particularly special or rewarding?
Watching the audience slowly realize they’re more involved than they initially expected has been a special moment for me. Seeing them move from passive observers to active participants, especially when they engage with the deeper questions about laughter and trauma, has been incredibly rewarding. There was also a moment in rehearsals where we brought together the digital projections, music, and mime in a way that felt seamless, and that was a huge turning point in the production.
In your view, how does Identity Kaleidoscope reflect or contribute to the evolving landscape of British fringe theatre?
The show speaks to the boldness and diversity of British fringe theatre, where we’re not afraid to ask difficult questions and experiment with form. The fusion of drag, clown, mime, digital art, and audience interaction challenges traditional boundaries of theatre. Identity Kaleidoscope also contributes to the ongoing conversation about mental health, trauma, and identity, particularly how humor is used in society to cope with or avoid these issues. This is a reflection of the evolving landscape where theatre is used as a platform for complex, nuanced dialogue.
How do you hope audiences will feel or what do you hope they’ll take away after seeing the show?
I hope they leave feeling both entertained and reflective. The show’s use of humor will make them laugh, but I want them to walk away thinking about how laughter might have been a mask for deeper emotions—both on stage and in their own lives. I want them to question how we as a society use humor to push down other people’s experiences and to consider what happens when we confront the things we usually laugh off.
Find out more and book tickets (22-26 October 2024): https://app.lineupnow.com/event/identity-kaleidoscope
This production relies heavily on digital projections, music, and lighting, all of which are integral to bringing the world of Identity Kaleidoscope to life. The creatives involved have been instrumental in building this immersive environment. Although it’s a one-woman show, the collaboration with the projections and multimedia elements brings a whole team’s worth of energy into the performance. It’s all done in mime, but the richness of sound and visuals makes it feel full and dynamic.
Who do you think will connect most with Identity Kaleidoscope and why should they see it?
Anyone who’s ever grappled with different aspects of their identity or felt fragmented will connect with the show. It’s for those who have used humor as a defense mechanism, who have laughed to avoid pain, or who have felt silenced in some way. The show invites the audience to think about how they use laughter to deal with—or avoid—their own struggles. Plus, it’s a highly interactive show, so if you love theatre that breaks the fourth wall and brings you into the story, this is for you.
What makes The Bread & Roses Theatre the ideal venue for this show?
The intimate setting of The Bread & Roses Theatre allows for a close, personal connection with the audience, which is vital for a show like this. The space supports the interactive elements and lets the audience feel like they’re part of the experience rather than passive viewers. It’s perfect for a one-woman show that leans heavily on audience participation, digital projections, and immersive lighting and sound.
What moments or experiences in the production process have stood out to you as particularly special or rewarding?
Watching the audience slowly realize they’re more involved than they initially expected has been a special moment for me. Seeing them move from passive observers to active participants, especially when they engage with the deeper questions about laughter and trauma, has been incredibly rewarding. There was also a moment in rehearsals where we brought together the digital projections, music, and mime in a way that felt seamless, and that was a huge turning point in the production.
In your view, how does Identity Kaleidoscope reflect or contribute to the evolving landscape of British fringe theatre?
The show speaks to the boldness and diversity of British fringe theatre, where we’re not afraid to ask difficult questions and experiment with form. The fusion of drag, clown, mime, digital art, and audience interaction challenges traditional boundaries of theatre. Identity Kaleidoscope also contributes to the ongoing conversation about mental health, trauma, and identity, particularly how humor is used in society to cope with or avoid these issues. This is a reflection of the evolving landscape where theatre is used as a platform for complex, nuanced dialogue.
How do you hope audiences will feel or what do you hope they’ll take away after seeing the show?
I hope they leave feeling both entertained and reflective. The show’s use of humor will make them laugh, but I want them to walk away thinking about how laughter might have been a mask for deeper emotions—both on stage and in their own lives. I want them to question how we as a society use humor to push down other people’s experiences and to consider what happens when we confront the things we usually laugh off.
Find out more and book tickets (22-26 October 2024): https://app.lineupnow.com/event/identity-kaleidoscope