Within Sight @ Edinburgh Traverse Theatre

Ellen Renton performs an impactful debut in her one woman show about living with albinism. As a spoken word artist Renton uses beautiful poetry to break down misrepresentations of the disability, focusing on inspiration porn and the Paralympics.

A water bottle and sports bag set the stage; Renton appears in full gym gear ready to begin her routine. The performance follows a young aspiring Paralympian who has just found out she didn’t qualify to join team GB, trying to figure out where to go next when you don’t make the cut?

Renton skilfully explores the social expectations put on people with disabilities to become ‘super-humans,’ going above and beyond their perceived abilities to be deemed successful, or to be pitied. The piece touches on a variety of discrimination that Renton has encountered; from always being represented in film as the ‘bad guy,’ to having to prove the continuation of her lifelong condition in order to gain assistance from the state. The overarching story-line is ingenious in mirroring the effort and dedication of training for an Olympic sport with the never-ending trials facing disabled people in daily life, navigating a world that’s been made inaccessible.

It is an immensely educational hour, illuminating the realities of life with albinism. As well as incredible spoken word the use of mixed media and projection (Kiana Kalantar-Hormoz) creates a virtual reality for the audience to connect and empathise with Renton and her daily struggles. Original music and sound (Jack Hinks & David Devereux/Tin Can Audio) guided the rhythm of the poetry and contributed to the building of tension. However, the lack of variation of tension in some points can begin to feel one level and repetitive. In the final moments Renton speaks directly to the audience and the piece transitions from a personal piece to a confrontation. She candidly asks what they expect of disabled lives, and why, leaving the questions unanswered as the performance finishes.

Within Sight is an exceptional piece of spoken word theatre, Renton’s performance is honest, self-aware and has clear intentions. The minimal set, video and sound create a cohesive insight into life with albinism, giving a fresh representation of the disability. The performance highlights a need for underrepresented voices to be seen and heard, Renton proves herself as guiding force to be followed.