It's great to hear from you: hope you are looking forward to the Fringe! I am always a big ambiguous about it: it is hard work, and I get to see plenty of exciting theatre, but I worry about the crushed dreams and having to fight through crowds to get anywhere! And you don't know anyone who wants a house guest during August, do you?
Anyway - you asked what I was looking forward to, and my official reply is nothing. I can't play favourites yet! But I can recommend things that you might enjoy.
I think Baba Brinkman will be right up your street this year. I'm not sure how you feel about hip hop (and this isn't the kind of rap with all the curse words, mind), but I know you like a little bit of Green politics. Brinkman is an intelligent performer, and got famous for mixing rap and science at the previous Fringes. It might be a little like preaching to the choir for you, because you probably know all this stuff already. But I like his smile.
Not sure how you are feeling about dance these days - nor am I, because I don't get to write it about that often for The List. I did see Inala last night - Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the choreographer from Rambert, together at last, but the Fringe is never a good place for ballet. It lacks the right venues, I think.
But look at this: RIOT has dancers dressed up as superheroes. We
probably don't want to get into my thoughts on this particular cosplay combination, but I am really excited by this. I like my choreography dynamic, and having the cast leap about like The Avengers is sure to mean loads of smack-downs and tough sequences. It's the Fringe, and after fifteen days without sleep, I am going to need something that wakes me up. They have also suggested that they like audience members who shout stuff at them as they perform.
And the show questions the way in which dominant systems have defined the superhero genre.
Do you think the stage is a good place to discuss gender politics? Being a critic, I tend to think it is a good place to discuss anything, but I am having my doubts... the thing is, theatre is all about
performance, so all the action on-stage is performative. It just seems to be asking for trouble when a show tries to make statements about Big Issues through a medium that is let's pretend for adults.
So maybe it is unsurprising I am suggesting The Maids. Genet's play was meant to be done by men pretending to be women, and fiddles about with the expectation of an audience, reminding them that they are not watching real life... but this version is by an all female cast, which puts a layer back on... or removes it...
Martin Crimp did the translation, and he is known for his own rough and tough scripts. The Maids is a great one for a quiet and safe evening of theatre. Honest.
But let's catch up soon: I have been a bit bogged down lately with this database business, but I am sure the sun will be out by the time it all begins... won't it?
Hey, Ryan: it was great to see you! I think you caught the last of the Glasgow summer, too... good work.
Anyway: tops tips for The Fringe? You know I know... you say you are bringing your girlfriend? So two people will hate me if I suggest a flop...
Daggers MacKenzie
Do I need to say anymore? It's called Daggers MacKenzie. Well, the performer used to be in a rocking band (do people still say 'rocking'?), and the story is full of wild west high jinks.
Plus, there are daggers getting chucked about. Won't that remind you of your time in Dundee?
Satan Speaks
It's the Fringe: if there was ever going to be a chance for the prince of darkness to walk abroad and not be noticed, it has to be Edinburgh in August. Just watch out for any flyers that you might pick up: your soul for an hour of good comedy can feel like a bargain.
But as Satan himself insists, he does not exist anyway. But going dark for a few hours won't hurt (and the promotional video suggests that this might be a witty monologue, theology aside).
Clout: Feast
Cast n'er a clout, til the Fringe be out. These Lecoq trained anarchists (aesthetically, not politically, Mr Cameron) are having a slap-up this year. So that means cannibalism is on the menu. Probably not one to see before you've had whatever food you manage to pick up between shows, but a company who are showing how the British can adapt the French style (although the company has members from around the world). Take that, UKIP.
RIOT
I don't know if you have the same enthusiasm that I have for super-heroics but this is something like my dream production. There are super-heroes and dancing. It's avant-garde but feeds from comic culture. Contemporary dance is tough enough already, but add in a tale of people with powers and cool outfits...
Blake Remixed
I might have picked this one, but the PR has not replied to my repeated email. So, maybe, if you like Blake's poetry?
Anyway, if you like any of these, pick one, and I can do another top five based on it... you know, like 'if you like this, then...'
