“Performing at an open access performing arts festival is a unique experience because it gives emerging artists the ability to perform and allows them to connect with audiences around the world.”
WHO: Madelynne Kestner
WHAT: “‘Oh good God prepare me!’ were the last words Samuel Pepys dedicated to his companion of ten years, to whom he gave his life and sight: his diary. The stage is the precinct of his mind and all he witnessed, intimately retelling a decade that shaped London. From the Plague to the Fire, and the people that wandered the pages of his journal: fact, memory and fiction dance swiftly, ignited by the light of a candle. The stage is desolate, every word is a step, entrancing you into the consciousness behind the flame.”
WHERE: Paradise in The Vault – The Vault (Venue 117)
WHEN: 18:10 (45 min)
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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
Yes, this is my first time at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The Fringe is unique because it gives a platform to new performs and writers. Performing at an open access performing arts festival is a unique experience because it gives emerging artists the ability to perform and allows them to connect with audiences around the world.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
I personally was not apart of the Fringe last year. However, 2023 was a big year for my writing. I am developing my playwriting skills since I primarily focus on screenwriting. In the last year, I began working on smaller stage scenes and developed my writing into this play. A large lesson I learned is the difference between film and theatre. I am very excited to bring our show to a live audience.
Tell us about your show.
In This Body of Flame is an experimental historical drama about Samuel Pepys, his diary and the people from his life. I wrote and co-directed this play alongside Sofia Sculati taking inspiration from his diary entries. Our idea for this show was to meld history with drama. We wanted to showcase how all elements of theatre can create an immersive experience, we focused a lot on sound and how that helps performers and audiences to navigate shows. The University of Stirling Drama Society is a student led theatre group that performs multiple shows year round. As a committee, we decided it was time to take our work to a larger audience and premier our new show. We do not currently have plans to take a further step with this show, however, we are thrilled to see its audience reception and continue from there.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
I think that audience members should go and see plays by other student societies as I believe it’s really important to give a platform to emerging young artists who are trying to step into theatre professionally and supporting them at The Edinburgh Fringe can open so many opportunities to new writing and new performers. A few of our members went to see The University of Edinburgh’s play ‘Slash’ at Bedlam Theatre and we really enjoyed the powerful and professional performances that each of the students gave. It was funny yet dramatic and had us excited waiting for the twist! We are also excited to see PASS (Edinburgh College’s) take on Steph Del Rosso’s play ‘The Gradient’ We wish the best of luck to all the other university societies!
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