In our ongoing Edinburgh Fringe interview series, we are speaking to artists and creatives who are bringing their shows to the Scottish capital this summer.
In this interview, Jennifer Irons discusses their show Bad Immigrant.
What can you tell me in your own words about your show?
It’s a roller disco about immigration. Obvs.
It was born out of the chaos post-Brexit—being told to “go home” and then realising Canada didn’t want me either. Apparently, if I had an elite sporting talent, I might’ve been welcomed in both places. So I thought: what better way to explore the awfulness and absurdity of immigration systems than through the joyful, glorious ridiculousness of the roller disco?
Where did the inspiration for this piece come from?
From the mess that followed Brexit. From a series of deportation “adventures.” From the sheer absurdity of the hoops we’ve had to jump through, while knowing ours aren’t even the ones on fire.
From the mess that followed Brexit. From a series of deportation “adventures.” From the sheer absurdity of the hoops we’ve had to jump through, while knowing ours aren’t even the ones on fire.
Skating has always been a place of resistance. Roller discos were founded in black and queer communities. And the constant motion of rolling is the joyful antidote to the arbitrary, bureaucratic paperwork of borders and the ‘hostile environment.’
How have you approached developing the show?
It's been a long process—years of research. I’ve worked with a cognitive anthropologist and a cultural psychotherapist to explore ideas of in-groups and out-groups. Creatively, I’ve collaborated with people from all over: Indigenous Canadian and Australian artists, those who’ve experienced displacement, stand-up comedians, and rollerskating legends.
It's been a long process—years of research. I’ve worked with a cognitive anthropologist and a cultural psychotherapist to explore ideas of in-groups and out-groups. Creatively, I’ve collaborated with people from all over: Indigenous Canadian and Australian artists, those who’ve experienced displacement, stand-up comedians, and rollerskating legends.
The whole team are incredible – Tom Roden (New Art Club) directing and basically rewriting my crap jokes. Harshini Karunaratne projection design and creative captions - who I stalked on Instagram to get them on board. Majid Dhana – an incredible poet. Lou Cope dramaturg to the stars. Nicolai Hart Hansen designer to the stars. Stew Baxter (Life Band) is a verified rock star and gorgeous human to boot. I’ve been very lucky that they’ve all signed up this bonkers deal.
It's been a very trial and error process too. At one feedback showing, I asked the question, “What did this scene reveal?” And someone responded with “That Jen can’t sing.” So, the song now available on Bandcamp. Obvs.
As part of the process we have founded Skates4Mates, sharing the joy of rollerskating with people seeking sanctuary in the UK. A portion of the show proceeds goes to buying them roller-skates and safety gear.
How would you describe the style of the show?
It’s literally a roller disco about immigration. That pretty much covers it.
It’s literally a roller disco about immigration. That pretty much covers it.
Can you describe the show in three words?
Stupid. Important. Joy.
Stupid. Important. Joy.
How do you mentally and physically prepare for a run like the Fringe?
Fruit alcohol. Brass. Bagels. Dark corners.
Fruit alcohol. Brass. Bagels. Dark corners.
Away from your show, what are you most looking forward to about being in Edinburgh?
Roller skating with the Edi roller dancers.
Roller skating with the Edi roller dancers.
Hearing a bagpiper playing at the top of a mountain at 6am—because that just happens here.
Swimming in lochs and the sea. Eating incredible food. Hanging out with Scots. Seeing brilliant shows.
What is one hidden gem in Edinburgh that everyone should visit?
Paradise Fricking Palms. No further explanation needed.
Paradise Fricking Palms. No further explanation needed.
Are there any other shows at the Fringe you’d like to recommend?
Yes!
· Do All the Things by A&E https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/do-all-the-things
· Trouble, Struggle, Bubble and Squeak by Vic Melody https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/trouble-struggle-bubble-and-squeak
Yes!
· Do All the Things by A&E https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/do-all-the-things
· Trouble, Struggle, Bubble and Squeak by Vic Melody https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/trouble-struggle-bubble-and-squeak
What was the first piece of theatre you saw that had a big impact on you?
I grew up in an isolated northern community in Canada (pre-internet) so there was not a lot going on. I do remember the first time I heard a live orchestra I nearly peed myself. A few years ago, we saw Dinosaur Pirates. We still sing a song from it called Infinite Fishes. It was exceptional.
I think the one that stands out was the first time I saw Pina Bausch. There was a person in a walrus costume and a ginormous slip n’ slide. After the show ended, the woman sitting next to me said, “That was life changing.” It was. I never made a show without a stuffed animal ever again.
What do you hope an audience member takes away from seeing the show?
The capacity to be kind, even when you really want to stab someone with a fork.
Where and when can people see your show?
Assembly George Square Studios, Studio 2
Monday 18th to Sunday 25th August, 15:35
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/bad-immigrant
Find out more information at http://www.jenniferirons.co.uk/
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