Always Aphrodite Review
written by guest reviewers Yvette Elonda and Cheryl Hart
Photo by Cheryl Hart @cherylhart_photography
The GoDown Amsterdam on a Friday summer night: An intimate room, seating around fifteen. A ring light with a phone mounted. A bunch of blank pink notes for the audience to ask questions of Aphrodite about love and sex. Rose petals scattered on the floor, candlelight and a building anticipation to meet the mythological goddess herself. Now you can picture the setting of “Always Aphrodite”, created and performed by Lauren Maxwell and Phillip Melchers, and about to take the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024 by storm.
On stage we see Aphrodite preparing for her livestream to connect with her followers and answer questions. After easily answering a handful of the pink notes from the audience, the goddess of love becomes noticeably uncomfortable when posed, "What is the true meaning of love?"
The show obviously centers on Aphrodite (who has to be summoned by the audience), but we also see Phillip on stage as the director, managing the livestream and ensuring everything runs smoothly. It turns out Aphrodite is a bit of a handful to work with. The chemistry between the actors is immaculate. You might assume they’ve known each other for years, but they actually only met earlier this year at the Netherlands film festival. A true “divine intervention” for these experienced storytellers, and we’re happy their paths crossed!
Photo by Cheryl Hart @cherylhart_photography
Besides the beautiful Aphrodite and the "trying-to-keep-this-show-going" Phillip, another person makes their way to the stage. We can’t spoil too much, but this character adds a emotional and compelling twist to the performance, and including this viewpoint in the show is a wise counterplay by the creators.
We were lucky to see the show accompanied by live music from Daragh Gillen on the guitar which added a cinematic quality to the monologues, and which will translate to the Edinburgh shows in recorded form. You might think a show about a Greek goddess would be associated with soft, angelic music featuring strings, a harp, and maybe a piano. However, the music written by Daragh for Aphrodite’s entrances was powerful and seductive, fitting how she entered the room at different moments in the show, wearing a sexy glitter top and holding a purple scarf reminiscent of burlesque performances.
So what of love then? This audience member was raised in a world of happily ever afters, but the reality can often be less than a fairy-tale as we navigate the highs, lows, pain and heartbreak of love and loss. The creators have designed a brave story arc drawn on personal experience which exposes an undercurrent that connects us all.
Love? Check. Laughter? Check. Mythology? Check. Emotion? Check. This show has a narrative powerful enough to resonate, move, and drive some to shed a tear.
We learned at the post-show Q&A that Lauren always dreamed of performing at the Edinburgh Fringe but thought it wouldn’t be possible. Her participation in this enormous adventure proves that even the biggest dreams can come true. The show however is currently entirely self-funded and is part of the free, unticketed EdFringe offering. If you’re in a position to donate towards this production to support its future, Aphrodite blesses you with love.
The show can be seen at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival August 14-18 and 20-25 at Whistle Binkies. We asked Lauren and Phillip if they expect the show to evolve during that time and the answer was yes! The creative process takes cues from the crowd and hones the chemistry as the show matures. We are extremely excited therefore to have seen it fledge, and have heard whispers of a potential tour in the Netherlands at the end of the year, so follow @alwaysaphroditexoxo to see the even greater goddess yourself!
Created and produced by: Lauren Maxwell
Written, Directed, and Performed by: Lauren Maxwell & Phillip Melchers
Music Director: Daragh Gillen
Dramaturg: Sinead O’Brien
Photos: @cherylhart_photography
Donate @https://ko-fi.com/laurenmaxwellproductions
Follow @alwaysaphroditexoxo on instagram!
Photo by Cheryl Hart @cherylhart_photography