Every year in August, the Scottish city of Edinburgh bursts with activity, brimming with literature, music, drama and film. Unlike the more formal Edinburgh International Festival that takes place during the same month, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is "chaotic, a bit mad and wonderful," as David Elliot, director of arts of British Council China, said at a press conference for the Edinburgh Fringe Showcase in Beijing on September 27.
This October, the fringe showcase, as part of the UK Now festival aiming to bring UK arts and culture to China, will import three different shows and a number of relevant workshops as well as exhibitions from Edinburgh to Beijing, Shanghai, and five other cities in China.
Staging abroad
Edinburgh's stage tradition, which puts on about 3,000 shows each year, is known for its diversity and artistic freedom. However, not all shows are ideal for China, as some are suited to smaller audiences or are difficult to take on the road, while others may be too edgy to be performed for a Chinese audience. For this reason, the local sensibilities were considered when choosing which shows to bring.
Despite this, Elliot said that the fringe showcase will still deliver what it is known for, saying that although it is "a little bit more conventional, (it is still) quite edgy and different."
André and Dorine, staged by the Kulunka Theatre Company from Spain, is known for bringing its audience to laughter in one moment, and tears the next. This silent show has only three actors, who use seven masks to tell the story of an elderly couple taking a journey through memory in order to fight Alzheimer's and the monotony of their lives. The drama won praise worldwide after touring through South America, Europe and the US. It debuted in Shanghai last year with show, but this time, it will stay in China for six weeks.
Monster in the Hall, staged by the National Theatre of Scotland and the City Theatre has been hailed as a superb musical comedy. Written by Scottish screenplay writer David Greig, the drama tells of a 16-year-old girl named Duck, whose father suddenly goes blind. Without the use of dramatic stage design or props, the musical play tells a compelling tale, winning it the award for best ensemble at the 2011 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Hong Kong director Tang Shu-wing put together a non-verbal physical comedy called Detention. Cheerleading moves, aerobics, tumbling, clown skills and all sorts of dramatic physical body movements create a comic effect with wordless jokes. The show ran for the whole month of August at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, a record for a Chinese drama.
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