“Silence is not peace.”
WHO: Victoria Martinez
WHAT: “A bold retelling of Sophocles’s tragedy set in Thebes, California. The Oracle summons audience-citizens and invokes the ancient rites of drama and democracy to address a crisis. Two brothers, gay activist Nikolas and conservative cop Elias – are dead after a protest on the capitol steps. When the Governor proclaims one a hero and the other erased, defiant sister Tigg and best friend Henry risk everything for justice and love. The score delivers both burden and joy as it navigates human need, political greed, and grassroots resistance as survival. There is no sitting out.”
WHERE: Other Yin at Gilded Balloon Patter House (Venue 24)
WHEN: 15:05 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
Yes, this is my very first time in Edinburgh and my first time attending any theatre festival. I’ve only heard great things about the city and even better things about the Fringe! What makes it so special is its incredible diversity. It feels like Disneyland for theatre people because everywhere you look—left, right, up, and down—there are so many different stories being told, each with something meaningful to say.
The Fringe is a hub for advocacy and representation, making it the perfect environment to bring our activating show, Antigone 1989: A Town Hall Musical. The Fringe feels like its own world, and there is something especially remarkable about the UK, where theatre has been made so accessible to the public and has introduced communities to life-changing theatrical experiences from a very young age.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
The biggest thing I have learned is something this show has taught me: silence is not peace. Before I was cast in this production, I was constantly seeing news about how my community back home, as well as communities across the world, were being affected by ICE raids. It sent me into a spiral because I felt helpless, overwhelmed, fearful, and confused. Those feelings caused me to become silent. Antigone has taught me to fight for the people you love and to stand up for justice. That means doing more than simply reposting something on social media.
It means donating, if you’re able, to families or organizations that support those affected, and taking meaningful action whenever possible. This show has held me accountable to resist silence and complacency. Another lesson I have learned is to trust the process. We have an incredible creative team bringing this show to life, and they are truly the backbone of the production. Throughout the rehearsal process, the company has consistently reflected, collaborated, and communicated about the best way to tell the story we want to share. That has been especially meaningful because it isn’t common for actors to have the opportunity to contribute their perspectives on the writing, music, or overall concept of a new work.
Tell us about your show.
Our show is a retelling of Sophocles’s Antigone, set in 1980s Thebes, California. The concept was created by Elizabeth McKoy, who also serves as the director and producer, with a book by Ken Cerniglia and music and lyrics by Chris Rayis. Elizabeth had the incredible idea of reimagining Antigone in 1980s California, using the era’s political climate to amplify the themes of activism and inspire audiences today. The show has been in rehearsal at Elon University and throughout the summer, with a soft premiere in North Carolina on July 30th, hoping to bring it back to Elon following our run at the Edinburgh Fringe.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
After watching our show, definitely stay to watch more Gilded Balloon Shows (I know I am) such as Slay and Crocodile Rock at the Gilded Balloon Teviot and Girlz and Heated Rivalry: The Musical Parody at the Gilded Balloon Patter House!! AND my best friend, and Elon University Music Theatre student, Ana Sofia Hernandez Lopez is also leading Techies at the Alba Theatre at Braw Venues @ Hill Street, Venue 41. Go watch my bestie do amazing things!!!
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