“I am so elated to have spent that time with local comedians that ultimately led to becoming the first New Mexican person, in known history, to bring a solo show to the fringe.”
WHO: Gigi Bella
WHAT: “From 2024 Sondheim/Jonathan Larson Grant Rooftop Writer and 10th-ranked woman poet in the world Gigi Bella, Big Feelings explores mental health, feminism and the gospel of Taco Bell through poetry, comedy and music. The Barbie monologue meets Hedwig and the Angry Inch. A one-of-a-kind spoken word musical, centering the Mexicana experience and the feeling of giving yourself to lovers (and sometimes a country) that does not want you back.”
WHERE: Hill Street Theatre – Dunedin Theatre (Venue 41)
WHEN: 21:30 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
Yes! This will also be my first time out of the US. Big Feelings started at a comedy festival in Albuquerque, NM (best known for Breaking Bad) and was such a joy. Once it was over, I immediately had the feeling that I just wanted to do it again and on a larger scale. I am so elated to have spent that time with local comedians that ultimately led to becoming the first New Mexican person, in known history, to bring a solo show to the fringe. I can’t wait to connect with other performers and take in performances from all over the world. It’s overwhelming. It’s gargantuan. It’s magical. I am, especially, excited to bring New Mexican culture to the fringe and expand upon the land of enchantment past Walter White and hot air balloons.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
I’ve learned to take big swings and then to take swings that make those swings look miniature. I’ve become more sure of myself every time I’ve told someone I was going to the fringe. The logistics were about 65% solid at any given time but I just kept saying it and saying it until it was finally true. I followed my heart and ran away to Vegas to have a Taco Bell wedding. I learned how to sew and started a small Taylor Swift Eras Tour business making Eras Tour outfits for women all around the world. I kept pushing to find the funds for fringe and started applying to do background on film and tv sets. Taking that small swing led to an opportunity that pushed it all over the top. Because of the chances I took, I just wrapped on a feature film with one of my favorite directors and production companies that will be out in 2025. There were so many moments where I was not sure it would all shake out. If I’ve absorbed anything, it’s the belief that it will. Here I am, happily married, traveling out of the country for the first time to perform, writing another book, making all my own costumes and preparing to become an overnight movie star.
Tell us about your show.
Big Feelings started as a poetry collection published by an indie press called Game Over Books. I wrote the book when I lived in New York City and thought my life was beginning when it was on its way to being released in 2020. The pandemic caused me to cancel my entire book tour and all of my live performances. I wasn’t sure that these stories would ever be in front of an audience. A poet by the name of Desiree Dallagiacomo taught me about the “life of the book” and how it lives as long as you want it to. This pushed me to do 120 virtual shows from my bedroom. Then in 2022, I took a chance and applied to a comedy festival just looking to get back out on stage anywhere. I was offered a theater and a full 45 minutes to do whatever I’d like. That’s how the stage version of Big Feelings came to be. I am a huge musical theater fan. I used to attend Broadway shows nearly once a week when I lived in NYC. I’ve always been particularly inspired by John Cameron Mitchell and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. I saw the revival four times and loved everything about the on stage band, the costume changes, the structure. I wanted to make a version of that in my own voice and full of poetry and Chicana/New Mexican culture. We’ve been fine tuning the show for two years and I could not be more proud of what we’re bringing to Fringe. I am so open to all of the places Big Feelings could go. A run in New York? A special for streaming? a world tour? The possibilities are endless.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
After Big Feelings, audiences should check out all the events by the Loud Poets at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. I’ve loved watching their videos and seeing the scope of spoken word across the pond. Also, the Daily Picks of the Fringe Series at Brewdog Doghouse with PBH Free Fringe. I am so excited to be performing with those folks and can’t wait to see the wide range of talent they have to showcase. I, personally, can’t wait to go see Deanna Giulietti in Barbara (and Kenneth) at Greenside. I love Deanna’s videos and I feel like our shows are the Galinda to each other’s Elphaba except it’s just two really adorable Galindas. We are very kindred. I’m also a huge fan of the outfits and would go just to see what she’s wearing! (and would die if she saw me too. Hi Deanna! I’d LOVE to custom make a dress for you!) Another one I’m so excited to see (not that this artist needs my recommendation. She is deservedly Fringe famous) is Cat Cohen! As a fellow poet and very extra sequined broad, I am so enamored of Cat’s work and have cried laughing reading her poems. I can’t wait to see her live. If you haven’t, GO. She is such a remarkable performer with a voice all her own. Truly, the blueprint. And lastly, everything at Hill Street Theatre. I love this venue. I love their people. I’m so proud to be a part of their family this go round. Support them every chance you get.
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