Youth In Flames *****

Protests are planned in support of Hong Kong’s fragile democracy. Millie, while along for the ride, is more keen on partying.

Millie is the daughter of ex-pats, a “third culture kid” – raised in a different environment than that of their parents. She is used to being uprooted and is a Hong Kong resident without a sense of belonging. Her lack of British identity is laid bare at her school’s International Food Event. She is described as a “gweilo”, a Cantonese term simultaneously meaning white ghost or foreign devil – is she little more than a distraction?

Jesse, a local and her best friend, is passionately committed to opposing the Extradition Bill, a mechanism by which individuals could be transferred to mainland China. Hong Kong citizens fear that once granted, it will be the pivotal moment for the demise of their democratic processes.

Jesse and Millie set off for the protests, but Millie diverts them to her favourite bar, Danny’s; the fact that an underage teenager has a favourite being a tell. Danny expresses surprise upon learning that they are going to the protests; he had hitherto considered her a party girl. This stings Millie, her sense of belonging taking another hit. Danny is an equally committed democrat, broadcasting pirate radio, and ominously signposts a safe haven.

Many of the protestors are still adolescents: Jesse and Millie, staggeringly, are more fearful of Jesse’s parents’ disapprobation than of the actions of the riot police. When Millie’s taxi is prevented from reaching its destination by protesters, she is more concerned about her hangover.

Their evening chaotically spirals out of control, with protesters and riot police inevitably violently clashing. There are very few pupils the next day at school and without explanation the class has a substitute teacher – there have been many arrests overnight. But there are other reasons for absences: Jesse is in hospital, in a coma. If he ever pulls out, he faces arrest for assault and doubtless sedition.

Mimi Martin wrote and performed this highly impressive production, drawing on her first-hand experiences as a former Hong Kong resident and gleaning verbatim stories from friends. Martin weaves her narrative between initially self-absorbed teenage and the gravitas of the political situation unfolding. She flits between characters impressively but with cultural sensitivity. Her storytelling ability is remarkable. Martin’s physical performance is striking: she struts the stage, she dances in a club, but it’s the moments of stillness, the understated anxiety, that haunt.

None of this would be possible without Jessica Whiley’s exceptional direction. Every choice, every movement, every nuance, has been carefully honed.

The closing scene, in which the realisation of the situation slowly lands, will live long in the memory. Every inner thought is conveyed on Martin’s face and despite a full auditorium you could have heard a pin drop.

The stories of Hong Kong citizens’ voices need to be recounted to the outside world; Youth In Flames is a classic example of ‘actors as messengers’. This is a quintessential Fringe show: a small venue, a minimal set, but magnificent storytelling combined with flawless direction. Mimi Martin and Jessica Whiley – remember their names and see them while you can.