Bi-Cycle

While the rainbow flag is waving brighter than ever before in the city of Melbourne, the journey towards equality had always been fraught with discrimination and uncertainty. In bursts Sam Anderson with Bi-Cycle: a solo, high-energy, pseudo-spin class performance about his own personal experience with sexuality and acceptance.

Anderson starts the show off by jumping down from the stage and engaging the audience members with a series of rapidly articulate questions. I was chosen as one of the individuals to be publically called out of their unhealthy Friday night choices … to my chagrin. However, once he had won the hearts of the audience members and I had laughed off my embarrassment, we jumped straight into the class.

The story starts comical, brazenly jumping between his overly positive instructor persona and his true personality. While in his instructor mode, he’s satirical with his movements and overly zealous with his attitude towards a healthy lifestyle, a clear pun on real-life trainers. However, as Anderson tunes into the true nature of the show, we begin to see his character fade and honesty come to light. The 50-minute performance is one about the confusion of sexuality, and a close study of his own intimate voyage towards acceptance.

After being with his girlfriend for a few years the latter is thrust into a world of uncertainty after feelings for another man begin to surface. The tale circles around the depletion of acceptance from his family, an ignorant psychologist and just general perplexity that accompanies those trying to discover themselves. He chats casually to the viewers, about his journey to discovering with “Simba” who started the whole epiphany and how his psychologist had called him a cat … yes, a metaphorical cat.

The draw of this act comes from Anderson’s amazing performance, skimming the line between each character and line. Just as his storytelling gains tension and tenacity, he slips back into his fitness façade and audience members are left hungry for more. Anderson also flexes his ability to turn malevolent and disagreeable characters, such as his parents, into less intimidating but more understandable beings, pouring humour into their otherwise disgruntled dialogues.

At the end, my partner asked, “So… was he gay?” and the answer is, “Who cares?” Between the different pretences and musical references, Anderson conveys a singular and unwavering message: it doesn’t matter who you choose, why have a label for it? And no truer words have ever been said, towards the end of the show he asks for us all to pass on his message and to recommend this show to any of those struggling with similar issues.

Overall, Bi-Cycle is a performance that transcends the norm and provides emotional support for those who are struggling with identity. Even if you aren’t a part of the LGBTQI+ community, it’s worth a watch to fully appreciate and understand the battles that some have faced in their journey.

Bi-Cycle
The Butterfly Club, Carson Place, off Little Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
thebutterflyclub.com/show/bi-cycle