Fiji

Sitting in the darkness of the Vault Festival cavern, with its sweating walls and claustrophobic atmosphere, comes a play with a dark twist.

Enter Sam, a 26-year-old on a date. At first, the room appears to be a study, clad with only a table in the centre and what looks to be an assistant arranging an appointment. But as events unfold, it is clear that this is a foreboding date with forbidden elements.

Sam (Sam Henderson) calls out to his date, Nick (Eddie Loodmer-Elliot), who appears shortly thereafter. Sam is quite the nervous wreck, while Nick comes across as calm and collected, but the two quickly begin their blossoming romance. Interspersed between moments in which they attempt to get to know one another – while Nick makes Sam’s last meal – is a relationship quiz, where participants ask 36 questions and then have to gaze at each other for four minutes. Taken from a study developed by psychologist Arthur Aron, the aim is to create mutual vulnerability.

Through the dark undercurrent and morbid matter, the creators of Fiji have succeeded in incorporating natural banter in the dialogue, as well as black comedy. Henderson and Loodmer-Elliot have sparkling organic chemistry and bounce off each other’s light and heavy energies very well.

Initially, it comes across as Sam being the unhinged one, but it soon transpires that it’s Nick with his unconventional tastes; although one can argue that Sam is deranged too, after all, he is offering himself to be eaten. Based on the shocking true story of German cannibal, Armin Meiwes – who ate a human volunteer – Fiji explores themes of love, family, trauma and male vulnerability while making us consider the ethics and morals that bind us. The ending is unexpected: violent and disturbing, with audience members visibly flinching when Nick starts battering a metal cabinet with a hammer.

With powerful performances from two strong leads, Fiji will leave you shaken with its take on consensual cannibalism, especially if you read the account of Meiwes and what he did to his victim.

Selina Begum

Fiji is at the Vaults from 24^th February until 25^th February 2023 as part of Vault Festival 2023. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.