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, Diana Salles discusses their show Delusional: I Killed A Man.
What can you tell me in your words about your show?Delusional is about grieving and rebirth… the ongoing cycle I live through in my journey transitioning from male to female. The show moves through the parallel of rediscovering myself, shedding that old male body, physically and mentally, and daring to welcome, learn and celebrate what it means to be a woman. What it means to be a trans woman right now, in this world we live in.
Where did the inspiration for this piece come from?
At first, it came from the need to express. That blessing and burden we artists carry… we digest the good, the ugly, and everything in between, then throw it back at the world, hoping to connect. Later, I realised this show was also about survival. The creation, the process, the chaos… it all gave me a reason to keep going: “I’m going to make something that calms my heart, shakes up minds, and maybe makes a difference.” That alone is a pretty good reason to stick around, isn’t it?
How have you approached developing the show?
With a lot of courage and Delusion! Together with the director, Firenza Guidi, I co-created Delusional as I transitioned. The scenes were built from real feelings and raw moments, heartbreaks, small victories, big questions, all happening in real time, then retouched, reimagined and brought to the stage with that special edgy contemporary circus touch. Firenza always reminds me: Delusional isn’t about pity… it’s about resilience and strength on stage.
How would you describe the style of the show?
“It’s a one woman contemporary circus piece… or let’s call it a non-linear, cinematic trip through a ‘trans’ delusional woman’s journey.. Sounds about right, doesn’t it?” (laughs)
Can you describe the show in 3 words?
Unapolagetic, Insightful and Tremendously Delusional.
How do you mentally and physically prepare for a run like the Fringe?
Oh babe, I pray!
Mentally, I try to stay grounded (or at least pretend I am!). I remind myself: big steps like this shouldn’t be overthought… breathe and enjoy. Physically, I stay focused… training, rehearsing, polishing every bit so I can offer my best self to the Fringe stage, night after night.
Away from your show, what are you most looking forward to about being in Edinburgh?
Discovering other bold artists. Staying up late, pints in hand, sharing ideas and dreams about live performance. Soaking in that wild, beautiful Fringe energy, all these humans daring to show who they are. I’ve been before as an audience member, and now I can’t wait to be back as an artist! to understand and to feel understood you know?
Are there any other shows at the Fringe you’d like to recommend?
Apocalipsync by Luciano Rosso, this man is incredible.
What was the first piece of theatre you saw which had a big impact on you?
La Dévorée by RASPOSO, a French circus-theatre company. To this day, it remains one of the most stunning, gutsy pieces I’ve ever seen.
What do you hope an audience member takes away from seeing the show?
I hope it moves people, cheers and inspires, and also shows what it means to navigate a transition, to see that we are all, somehow, in constant motion, shifting and reinventing ourselves. I want people to leave feeling braver in their own skin.
Where and when can people see your show?
So! I’ll be performing Delusional at Summerhall, Main Hall, from 31st July to 24th August, every day at 15:05. I’ll be there ! waiting for you all to come get a little delusional with me!
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