Finnish treats at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2018
Every August the annual Fringe Festival and Edinburgh International Festival turn the capital of Scotland into a world of arts and culture for three weeks. This autumn, as previous years, you can find some Finnish plays and stage productions at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. We've listed some below.
Most of the Finnish shows at the Fringe Festival are part of the From Start to Finnish international theatre exchange initiative. From Start to Finnish is a co-operation concept set up by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland and implemented by The Pleasance Theatre and Ace Production, bringing Finnish works to the UK and British works to Finland.
ISMO: Words Apart
Ismo will challenge your perception of words – and the world. His analytical eye finds things previously overlooked and makes them totally obvious. Neither words nor the world will remain the same. In 2002, Ismo began his career in his native Finland. He has since moved to America, toured the world and, yes, switched to speaking English! He recently made his American late-night television debut on Conan. His performance became a big-ass viral hit with over 62 million views to date! Get your ass (and the rest of you) out to see this show.
At 20:20 (60 MIN) August 1 – 26
No shows on Aug 13
Pleasance Dome
ALL THE LIGHTS ARE ON
A fearless play about the limits of hope and the consolations of reality, from Finland’s youngest and most irrepressibly talented new playwright. Written by Kaisa Lundán and directed by Julian Garner.
At 11:40 (60 MIN) August 3 – 26
No shows on Aug 8, 13, 20
Summerhall Anatomy Lecture Theatre
THE ARTIST
The focus strays, the blank canvas terrifies, and the tools have been lost to the bowels of the atelier. The Artist is a solo physical theatre and contemporary circus show by award-winning Thom Monckton and Circo Aereo, directed by Sanna Silvennoinen. It follows the success of their previous collaboration, The Pianist, which has been a smash hit with critics and audiences around the world. Since 2013, The Pianist has been performed nearly 400 times in four continents.
At 16:20 (55 MIN) August 3 – 27
No shows on Aug 14
Assembly Roxy Upstairs
THE SAUNA
In Finnish tradition, the sauna is a solemn place; a scene of cleansing, contemplation, birth and death. According to myth every sauna had its own spirit, whom visitors should care for and respect. The Sauna is a story of an old woman whose intention to die is distracted by an irritating sauna spirit. This mythical creature evokes her physical memories and takes her through the chapters of her womanhood as she considers the end of her life. The Sauna is a speechless mask and object theatre performance accompanied with live sound effects and original music. Performed by Iika Hartikainen and Johanna Kultala and directed by Soile Mäkelä.
At 17:25 (50 MIN) August 4 – 26
No shows on Aug 8, 13, 20
Summerhall Tech Cube 0
COCK, COCK… WHO’S THERE?
Samira Elagoz takes us along on her personal research project across three continents. From online platforms to close encounters, she showcases gender relations in their brutal and wonderful ambivalence and takes the audience on her journey of regaining power, reinventing an autonomous expression of sexuality and attempts to relate to men after being raped. Cock, Cock… Who’s There is confrontational, unrestrainedly funny, deeply touching and formally simply virtuoso. Elagoz explores desire, the power of femininity and the male gaze in a world in which the virtual and the real are inextricably intertwined.
At 18.45 (65 MIN) August 4 – 26
No shows on Aug 8, 9, 20
Summerhall Tech Cube 0
THIS IS THE TITLE
The work has received international acclaim, touring in 14 countries across the globe. The distinctive approach to movement comes from Iduozee’s background in breaking, contemporary dance and physical theatre. The performer emerges in a space that radiates around him in a very delicate way, reviving our thirst for light, calmness and freedom. Alluring lighting and sound design complete this minimalist world, where the power and grace of the performer captivate our imagination and senses.
At 19.30 (25 MIN) August 3 – 19
No shows on Aug 6, 13
Dance Base
WIREDO
Wiredo explores human senses, combining the techniques of tightwire walking and Shibari. With her body, a tightwire and a physical composition that draws on the Japanese rope art of Shibari, Hanna Moisala’s WireDo tells a mesmerising story of stepping out to the unknown. The three-dimensional Wiredo explores the inner balance of human behaviour with the question: “What happens to the body when it chooses to surrender and be manipulated?” Moisala´s daring tightwire stunts combined with long Shibari-ropes and elaborate knots offer an unprecedented spectacle.
At 21.00 (50 MIN) August 2 – 27
No shows on Aug 14
C south Main Theatre
Read more:
Edinburgh Fringe(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)
From Start to Finnish(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)
Ismo Leikola Official(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)