What’s in store for us in Edinburgh today?
Here’s the schedule for August 19th.
9:50 – When Vincent Met John, theSpace @ Niddry St. From the Edinburgh Fringe website:
“Vincent died in 1890, John died in 1980, both of gunshot wounds to the chest. But imagine what might have happened had the two greatest artists of their time met? Five years before their deaths, both men went through profound change. Van Gogh renounced religious ambition, began to paint, and, despite arguments with antagonist Paul Gaugin, created his life’s masterworks. Lennon renounced sex, drugs and rock’n’roll, began five years seclusion and, despite arguments with antagonist Paul McCartney, created a son and his last album. This play takes place at their exact moment of crisis and decision.”
An early start for a play that confronts us with a fascinating comparison – Van Gogh v. Lennon. I’ve no idea where it’s going to take us, but I’m fascinated to find out.
11:35 – Crime and Punishment, theSpace on the Mile.
“In the sweltering heat of a Saint Petersburg summer, impoverished student Raskolnikov wrestles with the thoughts of the good he could do were he able to lay hands on the wealth of an unscrupulous old woman. Dostoyevsky’s seminal masterpiece of psychological torment sees Raskolnikov unravel as his guilt and conscience collide with the reality of his murderous dreams. Praise for writer/director Rebecca Vines’ previous works: ‘Chilling… brilliant… powerful’ ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘A cut above’ **** (TheWeeReview.co.uk). ‘Power and strength’ **** (BritishTheatreGuide.info).”
Somehow I managed to read Crime and Punishment when I was 17 and I have absolutely no idea how I managed it because I certainly couldn’t now. But I love the idea of squeezing Raskolnikov’s story into forty minutes, and if this is done well it could be brilliant.
13:50 – Michael Porter – Love and Brain Damage, Just the Tonic Nucleus.
“Michael sheds light on the everyday challenges of his condition, from the struggles of memory loss and impulse control to the comical mishaps that ensue when navigating social interactions. Whether it’s forgetting where he parked his car (he doesn’t drive) or unintentionally blurting out inappropriate remarks, Michael’s adventures are sure to leave audiences in stitches. From finding himself on the wrong path surrounded by the wrong people, to facing the harsh realities of death and prison, Michael’s journey is one of resilience, growth, strength and, ultimately, love.”
For a comedy show, this sounds like it could be quite a challenging experience. I’m looking forward to hearing Michael talk about his life and adventures.
16:00 – Galahad Takes a Bath, Zoo Southside.
“’I got very little, little to no media training, so… Sorry!’ Sir Galahad the Pure, Knight of the Round Table, son of Lancelot the Brave, is taking a bath. Even the chosen one needs a break sometimes, okay? But long soaks in the bath can lead to painful questions, and the cleaner Galahad gets, the dirtier he becomes. In this darkly comedic show about sex, jobs, and the Holy Grail, by the time Galahad gets out, he might not want to be so Pure anymore.”
This sounds like a delightfully ridiculous set-up. It was the pure nonsense of it that appealed. I’m expecting Galahad to use the hour as a free therapy session. Let’s see how it turns out!
18:00 – 1 Moment in Time, theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall.
“In his brand new, thought-provoking show, magician and mind illusionist Sean Alexander reflects on the defining moments in time that shape each and every one of us. With jaw dropping magic throughout, each instance intertwined with powerful metaphors and storytelling, this show is unlike anything else. Discover your moments in time all over again… ‘You are incredible, I will have you attend the palace’ (HRH Princess Michael of Kent). ‘Incredibly talented’ (Stephen Mulhern). ‘I love magic that tells a story and I really like you’ (Simon Cowell).”
I’ve seen a little of Sean Alexander’s work online and it looks very impressive, so I’m hoping for a breathtaking fifty minutes of amazement.
20:15 – I Did Something I Shouldn’t Have…, theSpace on the Mile.
“16 year-old Sean Parker has never known his Dad and wants to change that. His brothers are unenthusiastic about his plans… Undeterred and egged on by his best friend, Sean successfully makes contact with and meets with his Dad… but at what cost? This reunion carries risks and potential danger that may affect all their lives resulting in them never being the same again…”
Those moments in one’s life when one makes a big decision – there’s no going back after it. That’s what I’m expecting here, a strong and powerful examination of the reunion to end all reunions.
Check back later to see how we enjoyed all these shows!