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Cecilia Gentili's Red Ink

 
Lily Crooke Review by Lily Crooke 3 Published: 5 Aug 2025 Underbelly, Bristo Square Show Dates: 30 Jul 2025-25 Aug 2025

God can be found in the unlikeliest of places for Cecilia Gentili. This wild, (semi-)autobiographical romp charts the coming of age of a young trans girl in 1970s Argentina through the unexpected lens of her personal relationship with God. Cecilia Gentili’s Red Ink is divided into a dozen unapologetic, hilarious short stories recounting Gentili’s early life and the community that helped shape her. However, this celebratory depiction of growing up as a trans woman in America is ultimately outdone by its strong source material.

A reclamation of faith for trans women.

Originally premiering in New York in 2023 as Red Ink, the autobiographical show was loosely based on Gentili’s book Faltas: Letters to Everyone in My Hometown Who Isn't My Rapist. After Gentili tragically passed away in 2024, Breaking the Binary Theatre’s founder, George Strus, decided to keep her memory alive by bringing the show to an international audience. Red Ink was condensed from 90 to 60 minutes for the Fringe, and Chiquita – a Brooklyn nightlife performer and drag artist – was cast as Gentili.

A retelling of a retelling of a retelling, the authenticity of the original story can sometimes feel lost in this new version of the show, which lacks the narrative flow you can imagine the original might have had. Chiquita brings an undeniable dynamism and charismatic energy to the role of Gentili. However, while she is evidently a proficient performer, Chiquita lacks the theatrical experience to bring the myriad community of Gentili’s childhood convincingly to life.

Brought to the Fringe in honour of Cecilia Gentili, this refreshingly joyful story of generations of women supporting each other is a reclamation of faith for trans women. Although this new performance loses some of the authenticity and frankness of its original, it is still a gloriously camp and celebratory show – a fitting testament to the memory of the activist, actor and all-round queer icon Cecilia Gentili.

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The Blurb:

God won't give up on Cecilia Gentili. Unfortunately, neither will the devil. Follow a young trans girl as she navigates the hilarity of rural Argentina during the 1900s. Part stand-up, part camp and (almost) all true, Red Ink is an irreverent romp in searching for faith while trans. Presented by Elliot Page and PAGEBOY Productions, Sara Ramirez, Breaking the Binary Theatre, Queer Arts Coalition and Nic Cory, Red Ink is the late writer, activist and icon Cecilia Gentili's autobiographical work. The play's off-Broadway 2024 premiere received a Special Recognition GLAAD Media Award.