The Edinburgh Fringe is almost upon us and to get prepared for another Scottish summer Read About Stuff is running a ‘Five From The Fringe’ interview series, where creative teams answer five questions about their upcoming Festival shows.
In this interview, I chat to performer Will Carr about new show A Little Leaf.
- Can you tell me a little about your show and what audiences can expect?
A Little Green Leaf is the true story of Odette Hallowes, one of the most highly decorated spies of the Second World War. Audiences can expect an inspiring, heartfelt, and entertaining exploration of both Odette’s tale and her unique personality. It is an intimate show, with two actors, three puppets, and shadow work to set the scenes.
What drew you to this specific story, and why does it belong at the Edinburgh Fringe?
Odette’s story, while harrowing and unbelievable, is also incredibly universal. She leads with love, and her longing for peace and hope is something we can all relate to. Edinburgh is perfect for this story to reach a new audience, and for our play to find a future.
What has been the biggest challenge in bringing this production to life?
We’re an international production, one actor in Paris, another in Toronto. Clearly that makes rehearsing a challenge! We are also as indie as it gets. Edinburgh is an expensive proposition for anyone, and we’ve been very fortunate to have some money come through our fundraising campaign. With no official sponsor or theatre backing us, keeping costs to a minimum while organizing this international production is a big hurdle for three jobbing artists.
How does the design of your show (set, sound, or lighting) impact the presentation of your story?
We have a very minimalist set, which puts the focus solely on the storytelling. Our designer, Ariel Slack, has created wonderful shadow puppet scenery. This really sets the tone and brings the focus of the audience in tight. This play works best in intimate spaces, and the design gives you no choice but to be right in the story with us.
If you could sum up the show in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?
Hope through darkness. Odette survived the worst of what humanity had to offer, but she never lost her faith in humanity, love, nature, and goodness.
A Little Green Leaf runs at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall (Haldane Theatre) from August 7th – 15th and theSpace @ Symposium Hall (Annexe) August 17th – 22nd. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/a-little-green-leaf
