“When I got the email that said, “Welcome to Edinburgh Fringe Festival,” I couldn’t sleep. I knew my life was about to change in some way forever.”
WHO: Lauren Maxwell
WHAT: “That’s enough! Goddess Aphrodite is soooo done with love. So, where does that leave the rest of us? With her own tales of lust, loss and spectacular incompetence, Aphrodite invites you to explore the very real, and completely unquestionable, existence of love. It’s time to rethink the stories we’re told.”
WHERE: PBH’s Free Fringe @ Whistlebinkies – Arch Room (Venue 158)
WHEN: 16:15 (55 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
“Edinburgh Fringe Festival…” The name echoed in my ears when I was a Friday Afternoon 30-minute Talk Show Host at an NPR affiliate radio station in Orlando. I was only 19.
It was the first I ever heard of it, and the Orlando Fringe Festival was its offshoot. I was promoting both Fringes, and as I was telling people to come celebrate arts and culture, a secret seed planted itself in my soul. I wanted to debut a work of art at Edinburgh Fringe Festival one day. I didn’t know how I’d get there or with what, but I wanted it bad, and that passion scared me.
I spent the next 15 years denying that seed only for it to blossom at age 35.
When I got the email that said, “Welcome to Edinburgh Fringe Festival,” I couldn’t sleep. I knew my life was about to change in some way forever. It’s been the most exciting and terrifying journey I could ever embark on. I don’t know how it’s going to go and whether this will be my lucky break, or just the beginning of a whirlwind journey? The latter being most likely, but I have no idea what to expect. That’s the risk I’m taking as an artist, and I’m ready to jump in and find out.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
In 2023, my whole life changed. I had worked in corporate for 15 years and the company I worked for was liquidated. I lost my job – my security. At the same time, my marriage fell apart and I divorced my husband. Consequently, I was homeless, living (gratefully) from couch to couch for two months.
It was in my darkest time that I had this conversation (more or less) with myself:
“If there’s no such thing as certainty, why not pursue what I’ve always wanted? What do I have to lose?”
This moment continues to be my guiding light, and it offers me lessons as I navigate the uncertainty of being a writer/performer/producer. During these moments, I remind myself that certainty is a construct, and it helps me to let go in order to create and produce.
However, my brain is neurodiverse, and my depression and anxiety often get the best of me. It makes it difficult for me to see this light, therefore, this lesson on the path to self-trust (and a bit of faith) often comes with two steps backward and one step forward, but I’m navigating.
Tell us about your show.
That’s enough! The Goddess of Love, Aphrodite, is done with love. Where does that leave the rest of us?
The story, Always Aphrodite, was inspired by my recent divorce and a rollercoaster of a 20-year dating history. I interweave my own overly-romanticized version of love through personal stories mixed with Aphrodite’s own tales of tragedy and struggles. The story encourages us to rethink the romantic fairytales we’re told.
Always Aphrodite will be premiering at Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This is my first Fringe festival ever. I’ve created this story, produced it and am performing in it. I’ve co-written and co-directed it with Phillip Melchers. We’re both storytellers in Amsterdam and tour around the country telling both personal and mythological stories.
We met at the Netherlands Film Festival where we premiered a storytelling performance at the festival. We’ve been inspired to smash traditional narratives ever since and help people embrace their truer selves.
After Edfringe, we’ll be producing it in Amsterdam and let’s see what happens after!
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
I would love it if audiences saw Little Tiny Wet Show (Baptism) by Lara Ricote. She’s a fellow storyteller from Amsterdam and a brilliant woman who explores relationships and what makes them successful. Additionally, Serious Theatre from Serious People by Charlotte Anne Tilley and team, a comedy led by women and for women. And lastly, I would recommend Horses by Elf Lyons. She’s unapologetically herself and her show blends absurdism with what really makes her tick. She’s paving the way for other women to be unconventional and free of expectations.
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