Frida Kahlo, Viva La Vida tells the story of Frida and her colourful life which was tinged with periods of sadness, passion and joy. She was married to the artist Diego Rivera, their relationship was tempestuous as both openly had extra marital affairs. This set the scene for a very interesting monologue.
Gael le Cornec introduces us to Frida; she appears to be drunk, in some kind of trance perhaps and welcomes us to her world. The set is revealed to us prop by prop, which in includes two of her paintings, a pair of dungarees (her husbands) a traditional Mexican dress, her wheelchair and several Calavera (Skulls traditional Mexican symbol of the dead).
Throughout the monologue we learn of the events that shaped and moulded Frida. Polio aged 6, the bus crash that rendered her infertile, the wheelchair that for some of the time she had to use, her marriage, the drugs used for the pains in her legs and her love of Tequila.
The play is delivered with a touch of humour, sadness and passion. Gael interacts with the audience, and in a few scenes we get some banter (although mainly non responsive). Members of the audience are given Calaveras to hold, Frida rants and talks to these, a brilliant way of adding some variety to the monologue, also giving her the opportunity to introduce us to more characters from her past.
Stand out scene include the bus crash which is quite graphic, we are left with no doubt as to the level of injuries sustained. Frida, although unable to conceive as a result of the accident also longed for a child, similarly graphic scenes only go to show the sadness, and desperation for a child.
Astounding, captivating and a brilliant display of a brilliant and complex character. We are given a glimpse into the world of Frida and can begin to understand some of the events that shaped Frida and her paintings. Was she a little crazy? I guess there is a touch of madness in any great artist.
5/5 
Michael Bulman
