“The stakes are higher when you are responsible for every aspect of the show, from marketing and logistics to ensuring the performance itself is polished.”
WHO: Elena
WHAT: “Italy, 13th Century – the Guglielmites heretical sect causes havoc in Milan. Their leader, Guglielma of Bohemia, believed to be the second coming of the Holy Spirit, appoints Sister Maifreda, indeed another woman, as her Popess. How dare two women proclaim themselves leaders and, worse, herald a new female-led era where only women could save mankind from damnation? The Popess is a dark comedy solo-show unravelling the mystery of a true early feminist movement in the Italian misogynistic religious history, investigating the discrepancies between religion, faith and power and, ultimately, the meaning of freedom.”
WHERE: PBH’s Free Fringe @ Carbon – Room 2 (Venue 180)
WHEN: 14:00 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
This is my third time at the Edinburgh Fringe. My journey with the festival began in 2015 when I was cast in someone else’s show, which gave me a first-hand taste of the vibrant and chaotic energy of the Fringe. In 2022, I returned with my first solo show, Clara: Sex, Love and Classical Music, and had the privilege to perform at the wonderful Pianodrome. This year, I am excited to bring The Popess, my latest play.
As a performer, the Fringe is both exciting and exhausting. When I was part of someone else’s show, I focused solely on my performance and handing out flyers, without the added pressures of production. However, bringing my own solo show in 2022 introduced me to the challenges of being both a creative and a producer. The stakes are higher when you are responsible for every aspect of the show, from marketing and logistics to ensuring the performance itself is polished. The experience is hugely rewarding, though. Seeing your vision come to life and reaching out to such a diverse audience is incredibly fulfilling.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
After a great 2022 Fringe run, I took a year off from festival life in 2023 to focus on finishing writing the second show. From previous editions, I would say that valuable lessons I’ve learned are: eat and sleep well, support fellow performers in any way you can, attend the Meet the Media event and try not to break any limb!
Tell us about your show.
I wrote this new dark-comedy solo show, The Popess, after a couple of years of research. Initially, I was fascinated by the theme of witch hunt, and wanted to explore an Italian subject, given my heritage. I spent months delving into historical sources and then, unintentionally, I stumbled upon the incredible story of Sister Maifreda Pirovano, connected to the influential Visconti family, who performed masses, gave communion, and preached in Milan during the late 13th century. It wasn’t a legend of a woman disguising herself as pope, but real woman who single-handedly went for what she wanted!
Maifreda was assigned the role of Popess by Guglielma of Bohemia, who was believed to be the second coming of the Holy Spirit and together heralded a new female led era. This discovery left me flabbergasted: I had found my story.
Once I had my topic, it took another year of research and scribbling, and devising with the wonderful director Colin Watkeys. We had a work-in-progress performance in June 2023, followed by another year of editing and refining the show. The Popess finally premiered at the Wandsworth Arts Fringe in June 2024.
Following Edinburgh, the show will be performed in London at The Glitch for the Lambeth Fringe on September 21 and October 6, and then in Catania from October 17-20.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
I can recommend some great shows and performers at the festivals that you shouldn’t miss!
Chopped Liver & Unions at Paradise in Augustines by the stunning Lottie Walker (Bluefire Theatre Company). This solo show tells the story of Sara Wesker, a trade unionist who fought tirelessly to improve the conditions of female workers in London’s East End. Sara Wesker is another remarkable woman who made history but was practically erased from the official collective memory. The show is beautifully written and delivered by Lottie, who brings to life the complex portrait of a woman with purpose and vision.
Trust Me, I Am a Comedian by Stefania Licari at the Underbelly. This stand-up show is more than just a comedy act; it has the power to make you question certain aspects of today’s way of life. Drawing from her diverse life experiences as a medical doctor, artist, and migrant, Stefania brings a unique and multifaceted perspective to the comedy stage, ensuring her performance is always fresh and unpredictable.
These shows not only entertain but also provoke thought and inspire, much like I hope The Popess will. Supporting fellow artists enriches the festival experience, and I think it’s the tenet of what we do. As Sara Wesker sings: Solidarity forever!
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