Celebrating Affinity: Felispeaks Discusses Her Heartfelt Tribute to the African-American, Irish, and LGBTQ+ Communities
Felicia Olusanya, also known as Felispeaks, is a poet, performer, and playwright who has found solace and clarity in their writing. Their latest project, Octopus Children, is a powerful exploration of identity, gender, and rebellion, set against the backdrop of their upbringing in Longford, Ireland.
Octopus Children is a unique blend of lived experiences, imagination, memory, and a dreamlike, poetic landscape. Felicia wrote about their gender identity before they had the terms to describe it, making this show a deeply personal and insightful journey.
The show reflects on Felicia's personal journey wrestling with their gender identity and the challenges of navigating expectations around gender and sexuality in their upbringing. Octopus Children is a love letter to those who sit at the intersection of Black, Irish, and queer identities.
Produced by This Is Pop Baby, the collective behind WAKE, Octopus Children will debut as part of the Dublin Fringe Festival. The show will run from the 5th to the 14th of September at the Project Arts Centre.
In a recent conversation, Felicia and Trevor discussed topics such as spiritual queerness, God's pronouns, and overcoming bravado to be brave. Felicia has spent a significant portion of their life sorting out and making sense of their various labels, but has now accepted and become comfortable with their various identities.
Octopus Children is more than just a coming-of-age story; it's a testament to the resilience and strength of those who dare to be different and challenge the status quo. It's a must-see for anyone interested in exploring themes of identity, gender, and rebellion, and for those who want to celebrate the Black, Irish, and queer communities.
In addition to their poetic exploration of identity and rebellion, Felicia Olusanya's show, Octopus Children, also delves into the realms of fashion-and-beauty as a means of self-expression, reflecting their own personal style. Being a pet owner, Felicia often draws inspiration from their furry companions, their pets, and incorporates them into their own unique lifestyle. As the show unfolds, Felicia's love for travel is evident, with various destinations playing significant roles in shaping their perspective and experiences, providing a rich backdrop for the narrative. Lastly, throughout the show, the metaphorical car serves as a powerful symbol of self-discovery, representing the journey of discovering one's authentic self and daring to break free from societal norms.
