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Controversial opinion: Quindell Orton’s Making of a Man is exactly what the Fringe World Festival should be about.
Let me explain.
But first, let me provide the context.
Starting off as a TED talk, the show evolves into an abstract collection of elements including movement, onscreen projection and audio bites. Orton takes us on a journey designed to challenge the viewer on masculine identity and what it truly means.
One of the most impactful devices is Orton’s use of a voice modulator, exaggerating the contrast between a naturally higher-pitched, feminine voice and a lower, traditionally masculine register. The shift exposes how deeply society equates vocal depth with authority and trust.
A Ken doll and a GI Joe doll – are these considered the only “acceptable” dolls for boys? Would their masculinity be called into question then? I took from this the suggestion that masculinity is not necessarily innate but “curated” from so early on, with any deviations being policed.
Orton extends this critique to male superheroes—the so-called perfect men.
Seventy-three percent of fictional superheroes are male, often gifted with overtly physical powers like super strength. In contrast, the remaining twenty-seven percent—female superheroes—are more frequently defined by emotional labour or passive abilities such as invisibility. The imbalance reinforces a hierarchy where power is physical, masculine, and visible. Again, another uncomfortable concept.
However, Orton brings to our attention another extremely thought-provoking point: if masculinity is so revered compared to femininity, why is the masculine female not seen as “good”? Why is it that, as Orton suggests, “butch” or “masc” is not considered the gold standard in terms of femininity?
As carefully as Orton sheds a set of silicon abs, the concept of masculinity is dissected, piece by piece. It is designed to make the audience question everything society has ever taught. We are encouraged to check all our biases at the door and challenge our misconceptions.
Making of a Man is an extremely powerful, thought-provoking and important work. It kept us talking long after Quindell Orton’s final bow. I came out of the show feeling like it had changed me somewhat.
And that, to me, is what a good Fringe show is about.