Adrienne: An American In Paris - Edinburgh Fringe Interview

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, Kirsten Lewis discusses their show Adrienne: An American In Paris.

What can you tell me in your words about your show?
This show is intended to inspire people to value the quest for their own personal truth. Aimless is not futile when it is attached to a deeper quest for your soul’s meaning.

This show explores this thematic in the time of 1920’s Paris. After WW1, an entire generation lost their youth and they were considered lost, but there was a group of people who attached themselves to European ideals and broke free from Victorian traditions, and questioned the reality of society.

They searched for the truth in a place like Paris where Freedom was encouraged and sexuality was liberal, an anything goes attitude. While at the same time, it was a great moment since many had survived the war. It was a big party to say “I survived.”

Many artists were developing types of expression which fostered revolutionary ways of seeing the world. It was exciting. This journey of self discovery and questioning is taken through this moment in the eyes of Adrienne, a wide eyed book enthusiast from New Jersey.

Where did the inspiration for this piece come from?
Before there was Adrienne, there was Syliva Beach, an American bookseller in the 1920’s who defied the odds, opened a bookstore and changed literary history.

She didn’t just sell books, she published Ulysses when no one else would, supported writers like Hemingway and Fitzgerald, and created a haven for art and ideas at a time when women weren’t supposed to lead either.

Her bookshop, Shakespeare and Company, became the heartbeat of a creative revolution. And when the Nazis tried to shut it down, Sylvia moved the books in the dead of night, painted over the sign, and made the store vanish.

Adrienne is a lot like I was…wide-eyed, unsure, landing in Paris with more questions than answers. But sometimes being a little lost is exactly what leads you back to yourself.

I first learned about Sylvia’s story during an Airbnb tour in Paris and instantly felt pulled to honour her spirit. I’ve always been fascinated by the art salons of 1920s Paris. In 2011, I produced an event at the National Arts Club in Gramercy that recreated the magic of those salons, inspired by Midnight in Paris. Adrienne: An American in Paris is my love letter to that world and to the women who made it possible. It’s about books, bravery, and the magic that happens when you say yes to a life that doesn’t follow the rules.

When I started putting the show together, I knew I wanted to work with a writer. I’d been coming to the Fringe for a few years and had been following Josh King’s work, he’s incredibly talented. I pitched him the idea, and luckily, he shares my love for this period. He wrote a beautiful script.

In New York, I saw a solo show about Rita Hayworth and really loved the direction. That’s how I found Lil Malinich. I reached out, she connected with the piece, and just like that, I had my team.

How would you describe the style of the show?

Dramedy with Light Romance

Can you describe the show in 3 words?
If I had to pick three: dreamy, vulnerable, and brave, just like Paris on a really good day!

How do you mentally and physically prepare for a run like the Fringe?

I pace myself and try to protect my energy. I like to do yoga and dance classes, and keep to regular meditation practice every day. I spend time with the story everyday in a different way. I like to feed my imagination and develop deeper connections to my character and her journey.

Away from your show, what are you most looking forward to about being in
Edinburgh?
To me, The Fringe could be today’s 1920s Paris!! There is so much interesting work being put out with so much passion. I will try to see as many shows as possible. I also enjoy walking the city too and enjoying the effect the festival has everywhere you go!

Are there any other shows at the Fringe you’d like to recommend?
The Marriage of Alice B Toklas by Gertrude Stein and Philomena by Moon Rabbit Theater

What was the first piece of theatre you saw which had a big impact on you?
Butterflies are Free by Leonard Gersh. I think it is an absolutely beautiful play about intimacy, and the delicate ways we can be seen by select few when the world could overlook that delicacy within us.

What do you hope an audience member takes away from seeing the show?
Keep the desire to love what you love, and honor it, and go on that quest forever to protect it!

Where and when can people see your show?
You can see Adrienne: An American in Paris at Greenside @ Riddles Court, from 4–9 & 12–16 August, daily at 4:00pm (no shows on 10 & 11 August).

It runs for 60 minutes and is part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe