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, Anastasiya Ador discusses their show Foreign Girl.
What can you tell me in your words about your show?
At its heart, the show is about starting over, again and again, and battling imposter syndrome every time I land in a new country. It’s also about the question: what do you do when going home isn’t an option? But don’t worry it’s funny!
Where did the inspiration for this piece come from?
Well, my visa was expiring...and I really wanted to stay here! Haha. So either I could get married
or get artist visa. And honestly, London dating scene is way too intense, so I thought I’d rather create a whole show and get global talent visa instead! Then when I was thinking what the show could be about, my director Rachel D’Souza (incredible artist!) pointed out that I should tell my migration story from being Eastern European, growing up in India and moving to the UK...and what does it mean to be a global nomad in today’s time.
How have you approached developing the show?
I did this incredible workshop with Elf Lyons called ‘My Dream Show’, full of fun prompts and exercises to kickstart writing your own piece. That’s when I went back into my old diaries, which I’ve been obsessively writing since I was a teenager, and basically time-travelled through all the stories, transitions, people, and places that shaped me. From there, I began drafting a script. Then came the real magic: playing with it physically, getting it into the body, and collaborating with my amazing director Rachel D’Souza, who made sure the show wasn’t just a collection of gags, but had a real heart and emotional journey.
How would you describe the style of the show?
Storytelling, physical theatre, clown
Can you describe the show in 3 words?
Personal, political, funny.
Can you tell me an interesting fact about the show?
People sometime don’t believe me the show is based on the truth. But it is.
How do you mentally and physically prepare for a run like the Fringe?
Mentally, I just accept that I will be constantly overwhelmed—and I plan around it. I try to stay grounded by reminding myself why I’m doing the show: to share something personal, not to impress everyone. Physically, I walk everywhere, stretch, drink loads of water, and carry apples like they’re gold (I eat a lot of apples when I’m nervous). It’s basically actor-athlete mode. Also, naps. Naps are sacred.
Away from your show, what are you most looking forward to about being in Edinburgh?
I really wanna go for a hike somewhere around Edinburgh! But also, of course watch watch and watch shows!!!! And have a nice cold pint of cider after the run. Oh yeah.
What is one hidden gem in Edinburgh that everyone should visit?
The last time I was in Edinburgh, I was actually on a date—three years ago—so I don’t remember exact places! But I do remember the feeling: wandering around the city, stumbling into hidden cafés and bars, that sense of discovery everywhere. I love cities that let you get lost in the best way. Oh, Whiskey tasting was an amazing experience, I truly recommend and I’m not even a whiskey drinker!
Are there any other shows at the Fringe you’d like to recommend?
My friends are doing this amazing play called Refuse about Ukraine, but its comedy! And of course anything Elf Lyons does is insane!
What was the first piece of theatre you saw that had a big impact on you?
When I was very little, my mom would take me to see ballet... it was stunning. I even wanted to be a ballerina, but she said I had short legs. But watching ballet made me fall in love with performance.
What do you hope an audience member takes away from seeing the show?
Well, even if people learn that Belarus is a real country, that’s enough for me! Haha. But also, that very thing that makes us humans is the power to tell our own stories. We can and should escape those inequalities and injustices that come from thinking that how, when and where we are born dictate our opportunities in life. We create our own narrative. If they feel it, I’ll be more than happy! ”
Where and when can people see your show?
At the SpaceUK on the Mile Venue 39 at 10.40am between 11th-16th of August (it’s an evening show that’s playing in the morning!)
Tickets are available from https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/foreign-girl
Post a Comment