The Box @ George Square
Until the 25th (11.30 AM)
Yazmin Monet Watkins is the genius behind the wonderful, poetic show that is A Vessel Born To Float. Traversing the high seas between the USA and Scotland, Yazmin’s stage-play has just landed at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025 with a bang.
Pulling all her experiences together Yazmin’s acting, screenwriting, organizer and comic abilities combine to create a magical play that is like no other I have witnessed. American born and raised, it wasn’t long before her multi-talented work was recognized by audiences far and wide, but most importantly by those in her neighbourhood. The grass roots of anyone’s career always starts at home, home is where the heart is, and Yazmin’s heart is definitely in the right place.
A Vessel Born To Float is an adaption from her recently released, and much acclaimed book of the same name. A beautifully compiled compendium of deep and meaningful poetic gems to stir the humane feelings that all of us will all hold. Black ‘Girl Power’ should be a right, and not something to have to be fought for, and Yazmin’s energy is a beacon of light that shines bright through every community she touches. Whether it be Comedy Central, Youth Rehabilitation Institutions, Festivals, Universities, Yazmin has empowered them all with her dedication to what is right !
Tucked away in a corner in George Square is the wee venue The Box – intimate and cosy, this venue allows for an up close and personal experience with our host. As the lights dim, a happy and smiling figure appears from the darkness. Dressed in white, like an angel descending from above, Yazmin roller skates her way on to the stage and immediately draws in her audience.
As the sound of the ocean moves gently in the background, and the movement of words ripples through the room, cascading over the audience like Murchison Falls, A Vessel Born To Float is a play about understanding and liberation, evoking thought, relaying messages from goodness of the soul to killer cops. Gender, race, family, god, beaches (Yazmin loves beaches), race, greed, colour and trauma collide perfectly to create a very real and living debate about the world’s sliding doors.
Yazmin’s play is endearing, pleasurable, and honest – but more importantly educational. In words comes strength, in strength comes change, and in change comes equality – and that’s what matters the most. Yesterday is gone, but today is here, so go see A Vessel Born To Float before it disappears from Edinburgh.
Raymond Speedie
themumble.uk 