Tag Archives: The Nature of Forgetting

EdFringe Talk: The Nature of Forgetting

Posted in *EdFestivals 2025, *Written Interviews by

“It started with a question. Something that we didn’t have the answer to: what is eternal?”

WHO: Guillaume Pigé

WHAT: “Following more than 200 performances across the globe, Theatre Re, ‘One of the UK’s most admired physical theatre companies’ (Scotsman), returns with its explosive and joyous five-star sell-out international hit about what is left when memory is gone. Tom is living with early onset dementia. We meet him as he prepares for his 55th birthday party and past memories come flooding back. ‘Profoundly moving… an action-packed celebration of life’ (BBC Radio 4). ‘Extraordinary… special, surprising and magical’ (Sarah Jessica Parker). ‘A moving and enthralling spectacle’ (Stage). ‘Incredible’ (GQ).”

WHERE: Pleasance Online (Venue 117) 

WHEN: 13:15 (75 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be our 6th Edinburgh Fringe venture. Our first visit dates back to 2012. Back then we were already going with The Pleasance. We were in a small 80 seater in the Dome – the beautiful JackDome. This year we are in the emblematic Pleasance Grand with 800 seats! Deep down, this is something we have always wanted and we could not be more proud, excited and slightly terrified as well to be honest.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I think I have learned to trust the work and it’s quality. The Fringe is a wonderful place to share your work but it can also be a difficult place at times, and remembering why we come up, what is it that we are trying to achieve and also that the work is good is important if not crucial.

Tell us about your show.

The Nature of Forgetting tells the story of Tom; a middle aged father living with early onset dementia. Tom is being cared for by his daughter Sophie. We present him on the day of his 55th birthday. As he struggles to get dressed for his party, the feel of his clothes sparks him into life.

The show was collaboratively devised by the whole of the creative team. It started with a question. Something that we didn’t have the answer to: what is eternal? The way we tried to respond was very open and encompassed a wide range techniques, art forms and theatre traditions. The whole process was guided by a sense of play and the joy we found in it. After a few weeks of rehearsals the question became: what is left when memory is gone? I don’t think we have found the answer, and that’s probably why we made a show about it.

The show has toured quite extensively across the globe already since 2017 with mote than 200 performances in more than 15 countries – including a Broadway transfer, international licensing, and sold-out runs at the Hong Kong Arts Festival, the Cerventino Festival (Mexico), and London International Mime Festival.

After the Fringe, we will be taking the show to Warwick Arts Centre for 2 shows on November 18th and 19th before touring to China for 3 weeks until mid-December. More international and UK dates are in discussion for in 2026 and beyond.

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

I have not scouted the whole programme just yet but for now I am very excited about:

Léa Tirabasso’s In the Bushes at Summerhall – mad cap abstract dance

Spy Movie: The Play at The Pleasance – it’s going to be hilarious

Skye and Amazons at Summerhall – both pieces sound beautiful

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+3 Interview: The Nature of Forgetting

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2017, Plus 3 2017 - Features by

“It almost feels like a show and ultimately a team is never quite complete until it has gone through a run at the Edinburgh Fringe.”

WHO: Guillaume Pige, Director and Actor

WHAT: “Part of British Council Edinburgh Showcase 2017 and following a sell-out run at the 2017 London International Mime Festival, Theatre Re presents a powerful, explosive and joyous piece about what is left when memory is gone. Tom is 55, today. As he dresses for his party, tangled threads of disappearing memories spark him into life, unravelling as a tale of friendship, love and guilt. Theatre Re is a London-based international ensemble creating thought-provoking, tangible and poignant work. Its shows examine fragile human conditions in a compelling, physical style embracing mime, theatre and live music.”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33)

WHEN: 12:00 (75 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is our fourth Edinburgh! I absolutely love the festival and the whole buzz around it. I also find it very healthy for the work. It almost feels like a show and ultimately a team is never quite complete until it has gone through a run at the Edinburgh Fringe. On stage, it allows us to really own the piece and also gives us the confidence to keep playing with it and be bold. Off stage, we get to see lots and lots of shows together and share life’s incredible moments!

Tell us about your show.

We work mainly through collaboration and The Nature of Forgetting was devised over a period of 2 years by the entire company, which includes actors, mimes, musicians, but also a scientist and public health professionals. We premiered as part of the 2017 London International Mime Festival and then brought the show to the Latitude Festival. After the Fringe we will be touring in the UK in the Spring 2018 and then in the US in the Autumn 2018, which is incredibly exciting!

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

We would wholeheartedly recommend The Flying Lover of Vitebsk by Kneehigh. Firstly because we love Chagall and also because we love Kneehigh!

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