“Even though I miss the spectacle of my show when it was bigger, with lighting transitions etc. The stripped-down version of my show is stronger.”
WHO: Duane Forrest
WHAT: “Jamaican-Canadian singer/songwriter Duane Forrest shares his stories and songs, gleaned from his travels around the world. Whether he’s singing about love found and lost in Latin America, or telling stories about seeking clarity gigging throughout Asia and Europe, his soulful voice and samba/reggae vibes seek joy and hope in this broken world. Proceeds support Duane’s charity Genesis Community of the Arts. Creator: Duane Forrest. Dramaturg: Ins Choi. Producer: John McGowan. Starring: Duane Forrest.”
WHERE: ZOO Southside – Studio (Venue 82)
WHEN: 16:50 (45 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
NO, this will be my 3rd time. And honestly, I keep asking myself why am I going back?! it’s literally the second hardest thing I have done in my life, (the first is surfing) but it keeps calling, and I know what it is – meeting amazing artists and festival goers. Being able to showcase new work, get feedback and ultimately make better art.
I can’t get enough.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
That bigger isn’t better. In 2022 I reduced my show to a solo show, just me and a guitar and storytelling. Even though I miss the spectacle of my show when it was bigger, with lighting transitions etc. The stripped-down version of my show is stronger.
I have focused in even more on the storytelling, timing and flow of the show, I can’t wait for you to see it.
Tell us about your show.
CLIMB is my story – beginning in Toronto, growing up in a Jamaican family to exploring the world and becoming a songwriter. The journey has laughter, sadness, introspection and suspense. I play the guitar, sing songs I have written on the way as I narrate stories from my life that will have you leaving the show full of hope and emotions.
The show is based on my album with the same name “the Climb”. I wrote the songs knowing I would one day make it a stage play. I first performed it with a crew of 10 in the Toronto Fringe Festival, where Gregory Nixon, the festival’s founder said it was ‘an engaging, multi-layered work of song, storytelling and movement’ and ‘one of the highlights of thisyear’s Fringe.’
CLIMB just finished a SOLD-OUT run in the Milan Fringe Festival June 2023 where we were runner up for the Critic Award.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
There are some great ones!
You’ve got to see anything done by Manuel Cinema, They have blown my mind each year I have been at fringe.
Magical Bones is so entertaining, he’s a breakdancing magician, need I say more?
Myra Dubois. Just please , go.
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