Amy chats to Jim Culleton who is directing two shows at this year’s Fringe!
Hey Jim – here’s your chance to give an elevator pitch, can you give us a brief synopsis?
I’m lucky to be directing two shows at the festival this year. King is about a man called Luther, born the day Martin Luther King was assassinated, who only leaves his apartment to perform as an Elvis impersonator. Heaven is about a married couple, who love each other, but have a secret from each other that they cannot share, so they tell the audience instead.
What inspired the show?
King is inspired by Pat Kinevane’s love of people living on the fringes of society, a heartfelt beautiful play about a man who is afraid to live life to the full. Heaven is about the power of theatre to provide a space where characters can confess and confide in audiences as a way to try to move forward in their relationship.
How important is the Fringe for new work? And how does it feel to be at the Fringe this year?
Fishamble has been delighted to be at the Fringe over many years. It is so important for the work to reach new audiences, engage with the public in Edinburgh, and share the work as part of the annual Culture Ireland Showcase with international promoters and presenters, which has resulted in substantial international touring for Fishamble’s work.
What are the main themes within the production, and what can audiences expect?
With both plays, audiences can expect raw emotion, lots of comedy and fun, and very moving and engaging encounters with the characters.
Finally, with so many shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, why should people book a ticket to this show?
If people like excellent new writing performed with lots of heart and lots of soul, then these shows are for them!
King is on at Assembly @ Dance Base from the 4th – 27th August at 6.30pm, find out more here!
Heaven is on at the Traverse Theatre – from the 3rd – 27th August – times vary, find out more here!
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