How I Learned to Swim

How I Learned to Swim is a brilliantly witty, deeply heartfelt play that explores the Black diasporic relationship to water, featuring a chipper swim instructor, a shady spiritual guide, and a cathartic crab sandwich. It is published to coincide with the Prentice Productions show at Summerhalls Roundabout, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August 2024.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 56 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Grieving is a complex and often challenging experience that can take a toll on individuals emotionally, physically, and financially. For Jamie, a 30-year-old woman who is struggling to come to terms with her family's broken relationships, the ocean becomes a symbol of her fear and a means of healing. With the help of a chipper swim instructor, a shady spiritual guide, and a cathartic crab sandwich, Jamie sets out to confront her biggest fear and find a way to wash away her regret.

The play, titled "How I Learned to Swim," is a brilliantly witty and deeply heartfelt exploration of the Black diasporic relationship to water. It tackles the complexities of grief, guilt, and the search for healing in a way that is both funny and liberating. The play's debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August 2024 coincided with the publication of this edition, which offers a fresh perspective on the play's themes and characters.

One of the key strengths of "How I Learned to Swim" is its ability to capture the nuances of the Black diasporic experience. The play's characters are diverse and complex, each with their own unique story and perspective on the world. The play explores the ways in which water has been used as a tool for oppression, survival, and cultural identity, and how these experiences have shaped the lives of those who have been marginalized.

At its core, "How I Learned to Swim" is a story about the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. Jamie's journey to confront her fear and find healing is a testament to the strength of her character and the support of those around her. The play's humor and wit provide a welcome respite from the heavy themes, and the characters' struggles are relatable and authentic.

The play's staging is also impressive, with a simple set design that allows the focus to remain on the characters and their stories. The use of lighting and sound effects adds to the atmosphere of the play, creating a sense of tension and suspense. The performances by the cast are outstanding, with each actor bringing their own unique energy and charisma to the stage.

One of the most memorable aspects of "How I Learned to Swim" is the use of symbolism. The ocean is a central symbol in the play, representing both the fear and the healing that Jamie seeks. The play's title, "How I Learned to Swim," is a metaphor for the process of learning to confront one's fears and overcome them. The crab sandwich that Jamie eats is a symbol of her guilt and her need to forgive herself, and the spiritual guide that she meets is a symbol of the spiritual journey that she is embarking on.

The play's themes are universal, and they resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. The play's exploration of grief, guilt, and the search for healing is relevant to anyone who has experienced loss or trauma. The play's message is that it is never too late to confront one's fears and find healing, and that love and support can be found in unexpected places.

In conclusion, "How I Learned to Swim" is a brilliantly witty and deeply heartfelt play that explores the Black diasporic relationship to water. The play's debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August 2024 coincided with the publication of this edition, which offers a fresh perspective on the play's themes and characters. The play's ability to capture the nuances of the Black diasporic experience, the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit, and the use of symbolism make it a must-see for anyone who loves theater. Whether you are dealing with grief, guilt, or the search for healing, this play will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350524491