Get ready to step inside the fabulously chaotic world of Mina, a spirited young Turkish woman on a wild quest to find the one thing missing in her life: an orgasm! Nominated for the prestigious MullenLowe NOVA Award at Central Saint Martins, The Little Death is a showstopping blend of cabaret, comedy and thought-provoking storytelling with a dynamic queer twist. Following Mina’s journey of self-discovery, the show reflects on poignant themes of love, loneliness and the human condition. It is a reminder that, even in the pursuit of pleasure, we all crave connection and understanding.
In this pursuit of pleasure, glamour and fabulous fun, this camp extravaganza promises an authentic and heartwarming journey with hysterical misadventures, deep introspection, and jaw-dropping revelations about life, love and identity. Sharing the story of Mina’s inability to orgasm with a partner, this is a visceral and honest reflection on female pleasure, sexual liberation and the vulnerabilities of being a woman and the human condition.
Ahead of a run at London’s King’s Head Theatre we spoke to Mina to learn more.
What can you tell me about your show?
The show captures a slice of life from the perspective of a young, spirited Turkish girl named Mina. It's told through the lens of her best friend Justin, with whom she's lived for nearly half a decade. The story explores about 10% of the chaotic and hilarious escapades Mina has put them through in her romantic and sexual adventures, delving into the emotional intricacies of best friend conversations. Mina is diagnosed with a fictional condition called "Cantcumalitis" and has only six months to live—unless she can experience an orgasm with someone. This urgent deadline forces her to confront various issues in her life and come to some eye- opening realizations, all while being intertwined with her real-life experiences. We won't give away too much, because you should definitely come see our show! But let's just say, Mina's vagina is its own entity in this wild ride.
How would you describe the style of the show?
The style of The Little Death can be described as a vibrant and eclectic blend of cabaret, comedy, and thought-provoking storytelling with a distinctively queer twist. The show is characterized by its bold, irreverent humor and unapologetic exploration of sexuality, infused with elements of camp and psychotic glamour. It embraces a fabulously chaotic and theatrical atmosphere, featuring a dynamic mix of music, multimedia CGI projections, live performance, and frequent fourth wall breaking in the style of a love sitcom. The narrative is delivered with a mix of bluntness and vulnerability. The style oscillates between hysterical misadventures and deep introspection, offering both laugh-out-loud moments and poignant reflections on love, loneliness, and identity. This fusion of high-energy entertainment and emotional depth creates a uniquely compelling and authentic experience that is both funny and heartfelt.
How did you approach the writing and development of the show?
The approach to the writing and development of The Little Death was a deeply collaborative and transformative process, blending personal experiences, artistic experimentation, and external influences. The initial concept was inspired by the longstanding partnership between us, rooted in our shared artistic exploration from our undergraduate days. Our respective practices in photography and collage art laid the foundation for the show's unique narrative style and visual aesthetic. The show's development was heavily influenced by Mina's personal quest for sexual fulfilment, providing a raw and authentic story backbone. This personal aspect allowed for a portrayal that is both deeply intimate and universally relatable, exploring themes of love, loneliness, and identity.
The collaboration capitalized on the strengths of both of us as creators—Mina's vibrant persona and narrative storytelling combined with Justin's eye for detail and composition. This synergy is crucial in creating a cohesive and engaging plot. The creative process was enriched by influences from drag culture and hyper-pop music, which helped shape the show's dynamic and multi-sensory experience. Throughout the development process, feedback from other creatives played a vital role in refining the show's narrative and production elements. This iterative process ensured that the final piece resonated deeply with audiences and stayed true to its artistic vision.
How do/will you prepare for a run of performances?
To prepare for a run of performances, we prioritize creating a supportive environment by surrounding ourselves with family and friends, and by that what we mean is we call them multiple times a day to share all our anxieties and they help us talk through our emotions! It's important for us to maintain balance, so we try our best not to sacrifice the activities we love, which means making sure to include time for socializing and attending events, to keep our spirits high and stay connected. Currently, we are learning and focusing on maintaining a positive mindset. We acknowledge that there will always be room for improvement and that mistakes happen.
If your show was a biscuit, what would it be and why?
Homemade Ginger Snap Biscuit: The spicy and bold ginger snap mirrors the show's sharp, witty, and provocative content. The spicy kick of ginger represents the show's daring humour and the sometimes biting commentary on societal norms, sexuality, and identity. The natural sweetness of 'Sugar' shines through in the tender moments that make you feel for the characters. It's homemade because it’s inspired by the genuine experiences of everyday life, and the batter is not really well mixed so some cookies are spicier than others!
Give me a random fact about you/the show?
The iconic character of Mina's vagina in The Little Death was born from a spontaneous workshop session where Mina and her classmates experimented with Victorian skirt bones and sounds, leading to the unexpected and hilarious creation of this unforgettable element! A fun fact about us is that we moved in together without knowing each other. Despite having three couches in the house, one of us (Mina) would always choose to sit right next to the other (Justin) on the same couch and that’s how we became best friends!
When an audience sees the show, we hope they leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the messy and realistic experiences of female sexuality. The performance intends to shamelessly tackle the complexities, vulnerabilities, and growth that come with navigating intimate connections. The show encourages viewers to reflect on the nuances of desire, love, and self- discovery. The Little Death aims to capture a reality that ponders upon the role sexuality plays in pop culture and how new media can be used to enhance authentic real life experiences.
Where can audiences see the show?
Audiences can catch the show at the legendary King's Head Theatre in Islington, located on Upper Street. The performances will run from August 26th to 31st. This historic venue, known for its vibrant and intimate setting, offers the perfect backdrop for our show!
Tickets are available from https://kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/the-little-death
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