Review: F**king Swans, Omnibus Theatre

F**king Swans at the Omnibus Theatre is part of the 96 Festival of queer theatre and is a play centred on two same sex couples. Their gender is a refreshingly incidental detail because, aside from mentions of when gay marriage became legal, the focus is on their relationships. Ronnie and Harper are the cutesy couple and are expecting a baby. Carol is loud and has a relationship with Lindsay built on bickering and making up. They are all friends and seem to tolerate each other’s behaviour until, seemingly out of nowhere, Harper announces she wants a divorce. The announcement comes as Ronnie, who is on deployment in the army, returns home for a brief visit. She is naturally shocked. Friend Carol is angry at the split, and Lindsay tries to persuade Harper not to rush the divorce. F**king Swans takes its time getting to the ‘why’ for the break-up, but it doesn’t fully explore the ‘why’ behind their behaviour and their feelings towards each other along the way. Other themes similarly…