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, director Rachel Klein discusses their show I Was A Teenage She-Devil.
What can you tell me in your words about your show?
I Was a Teenage She-Devil is a rock'n roll horror spectacular with a ton of heart and pathos, centering on the very human need to be loved and accepted.
Where did the inspiration for this piece come from?
I'll let Sean officially answer this one, because it is his brainchild, but what drew me to it is that it's the ultimate love letter to the 80s, musically, stylistically, and the horror films of the era. The authenticity of the language and vibe especially make it unique--it isn't poking fun, it's celebrating the subculture of the era.
How have you approached developing the show?
I am a horror obsessive as well as an 80s wild child myself. I was definitely a punk as youth. I switched schools in the middle of high school, and I experienced both sides of the spectrum of being a teen weirdo--being bullied for it and later being celebrated for it, the latter feeling almost like a super power. Approaching the work through that lived experience of both sides of Nancy (our protagonist) is crucial to the get to heart of the piece.
How would you describe the style of the show?
Fun, rockin', bitchin', hyper-theatrical, and some of the best music you've ever rocked out to!
Can you describe the show in 3 words?
Rockin’ Teen Faust
How do you mentally and physically prepare for a run like the Fringe?
With a ton of pre-pro frankly. It's a tight turn around, and I've got to get scrappy again like I did in my younger years, which is always a fun reminder of why we do this--because we love it.
Away from your show, what are you most looking forward to about being in Edinburgh?The street performers! Edinburgh is a magical city year round, but the festival has a sense of anything can happen to it, and I remember the street performers always being top notch and a thing to behold!
What was the first piece of theatre you saw which had a big impact on you?
One of the first was actually a piece I saw in Edinburgh many years ago... It was a South Korean production of Woyzeck done with an acrobatic ensemble of actors and a stack of chairs. Each location was created by restructuring the chairs in a specific way, and it was thrilling to watch how clever it was. I still talk about this show as one of the most innovative pieces of theatre I've seen.
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| Rachel Klein |
What do you hope an audience member takes away from seeing the show?
Of course I want them to have a good time. But beyond that, I want them to feel that they're not alone in this world.
Where and when can people see your show?
theSpace @ Niddry St (Upper): Venue 9 from 1-22 Augustbabies!
Tickets are available from https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/i-was-a-teenage-she-devil
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