The Dramaturgy Date of Jonas Müller (Age 70): Tim Honnef @ Edfringe 2017

The Expiration Date of Jonas Müller (Age 70)

The international premiere of 26 year old Dutchman Tim Honnef's fourth international theatre show The Expiration Date of Jonas Müller (Age 70)will take place at the Pleasance Dome at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

People liked him. People liked his

work. It's almost a shame that The Expiration Date of Jonas Müller (Age 70) will try to destroy every single memory of Jonas Müller from existence, as if it never happened at all. Hey, don't blame me. It's his own damn fault.

The Expiration Date of Jonas Müller (Age 70) is a multi-person solo storytelling show about killing your darlings, facing your insecurities and confronting your demons... even the ones you (sometimes) really really like.

The Expiration Date of Jonas Müller (Age 70)

3 August – 27 August (not 9, 14 and 21)

Jack Dome, Pleasance Dome (V23) 
13:20 (60 mins)

What was the inspiration for this performance?

Our last show, Jonas Müller Regrets Writing This F*cking Masterpiece, was based on a real story.
We told the audience about an event which occurred in Jonas life and how he dealt with it. 

It was quite an emotional and honest piece and although a lot of the story was based on real events we tried to explore what would happen if we would cross the thin line between fiction and reality and what would happen if I, during the show, would give a running commentary about the emotional things and actions Jonas wrote that I didn't agree with and thought were bullshit. 

What would happen if, during an emotional speech, the performer that gave the speech, would suddenly disagree with everything that was being said in the script he had to read to the audience?

What happened was really interesting. During most shows the commentary turned into dialogue with audience members about the choices Jonas made. 

Every single show the perspective and opinions of the audience members of Jonas' thoughts and actions were different. Some shows the audience loved him. Other shows the audience loathed him. But every show the line between fiction and reality became more and more blurred.

This year we wanted to take it a step furter.
This year Jonas wrote a script that I haven't seen before I enter the stage.
A script that, according to Jonas, is about me, and is completely based on the truth.

I'm intrigued, but also a bit petrified. 

Especially since me and Jonas had a bit of a falling-out last year.

Is performance still a good space for the public discussion of ideas?

Yes!

How did you become interested in making performance?

It's, in my opinion, the best way to tell a story, because you can have direct contact with the people  in the audience. You can't see how people react when you publish those same ideas in a book.

Is there any particular approach to the making of the show?

Normally Jonas an I write the script together. This year Jonas wrote the script, arranged all the props and the set, and I will not have a clue about what will happen before I enter the stage.

Does the show fit with your usual productions?

I hope so, yes.

What do you hope that the audience will experience?
I can't really answer this question yet. I hope the audience, and I, will receive a positive experience, a lovely story and leave the Pleasance with a good and happy feeling afterwards.... but that's all in Jonas' hands.