EdFringe Talk: How to Poop in an Outhouse at -58°C

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“People have said that my show makes them feel like they went on an adventure to the Arctic Circle, and I can’t wait to bring that unique experience to my corner of Edinburgh.”

WHO: Kona Morris

WHAT: “Award-winning storyteller Kona Morris tells the astonishing true story of how she fell in love with a Native Alaskan and moved to a remote village north of the Arctic Circle. Grizzly bears, whirlpools, northern lights and the transformation that happens when you embrace the unknown. Hilarious, exhilarating, heart-warming storytelling that will transport you to the top of the world! And yes, you will learn tips for using an outhouse at -58°C. Winner of five awards from New York City Fringe and Theatre Beyond Broadway, including Audience Choice and Staff Choice. ***** (Frigid.NYC).”

WHERE: Ivy Studio at Greenside @ George Street (Venue 236) 

WHEN: 12:45 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I attended Edinburgh as an audience member last year and absolutely loved it! I was blown away by how the entire city transforms. It’s like no other performing arts experience imaginable. The energy was palpable and I was so inspired by the community of performing artists that I decided to become a part of it this year! People have said that my show makes them feel like they went on an adventure to the Arctic Circle, and I can’t wait to bring that unique experience to my corner of Edinburgh.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Ever since I attended Edinburgh Fringe last year and decided to bring my own show this year, I have been in the process of realizing that dream. This year has been evidence, both to myself and others, that I can work hard on a single goal and actually make it happen. From writing a ridiculously long first draft of my show (originally 62,000 words, which had to be cut down to 8,000), to performing it to sold out theatres in New York City and Los Angeles, every step has been a valuable lesson. A big part of that has been changing my mindset from feeling disappointed when something goes wrong, to feeling grateful for the lessons I can learn in the imperfection. Growth is all that matters. Also, with each new production, I have uncovered deeper meanings that have made my story more powerful, and the version I’m bringing to Edinburgh is the best yet.

Tell us about your show.

How to Poop in an Outhouse at -58°C is based on my own experience. It is the true story of how, at 19 years old, I fell in love with an Alaska Native while we were both traveling through Colorado, and I decided to drive him home to northern Alaska, where I ended up living in a remote village north of the Arctic Circle. I have told many short stories about my time in Alaska and every time I did, people asked to hear more. That’s why I wrote a whole solo show about it. It has been an incredible process taking it through two different productions, at the New York City Fringe Fest, where it received critical acclaim and won five awards, including Audience Choice and Staff Choice, and five-star reviews, and in Los Angeles, where it sold out and got a standing ovation. I worked closely with a director in NYC, and I have produced everything myself. Edinburgh will be the international premiere, and first ever production entirely in celsius. 🙂

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

I highly recommend Gail Thomas’ Patient 13 at Playground 2 at ZOO Playground Dome, 7 – 30 August. Seeing Gail’s hilarious, heartfelt, and powerful show changed my life, both personally and professionally. It’s as powerful as a Broadway play, as funny as the best standup I’ve ever seen, and profoundly insightful and touching. It immediately raised the bar for what a solo show is capable of and inspired me to push my own show to go deeper. Gail is a masterful performer and writer with endless talent. You will leave this show feeling inspired by the magical possibilities of life!

And here are some other shows that I also recommend:

Mochinosha’s Book of Shadowz — I saw two other productions this company performed last year and I was blown away by both.

Stacie Burrow’s Fool’s Goldmine — Stacie is a veteran of Edinburgh and brings so much musical talent to her storytelling.

Kristina Libby’s I Almost Died For This?! — from my same director!

Jerry Topitzer’s Once Upon A Wall Street — from my same director!

Sally Brooks’ Stay — from my same director!

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