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, Samia Rida discusses their show Samia Rida: Kidnap.
A funny, entertaining, and unexpected musing on what it means to be kidnapped to Saudi - this actually happened to me!
Where did the inspiration for this piece come from?
I found a newspaper article written about my kidnap in my dad’s safe and well, you could say it got me thinking..!
I found a newspaper article written about my kidnap in my dad’s safe and well, you could say it got me thinking..!
How have you approached developing the show?
It’s been a really long process, which started with me working with a director who pushed me hard to research both my Saudi and Welsh family history, and then to explore all the relationships with my family. He really squeezed so much out of me which was both painful and fantastic. The piece got picked up by Fulwell for a TV adaptation, which took my attention for a while, but after they shut down their scripted department I returned to developing it as a one woman show.
It’s been a really long process, which started with me working with a director who pushed me hard to research both my Saudi and Welsh family history, and then to explore all the relationships with my family. He really squeezed so much out of me which was both painful and fantastic. The piece got picked up by Fulwell for a TV adaptation, which took my attention for a while, but after they shut down their scripted department I returned to developing it as a one woman show.
How would you describe the style of the show?
Funny, honest, unexpected, and rebellious.
Funny, honest, unexpected, and rebellious.
Can you describe the show in 3 words?
‘Kidnap’s sometimes funny.’
‘Kidnap’s sometimes funny.’
How do you mentally and physically prepare for a run like the Fringe?
Lots of line runs, do what I can to keep my head on straight, not engage with too much worry or fear, don’t drink too much, go for a run or to the gym a bit, talk to my dog about my problems, eat cakes.
Lots of line runs, do what I can to keep my head on straight, not engage with too much worry or fear, don’t drink too much, go for a run or to the gym a bit, talk to my dog about my problems, eat cakes.
Away from your show, what are you most looking forward to about being in Edinburgh?
I cannot wait to roam the city and see all the shows I can and talk to everyone I can. Can you tell I’ve been alone doing a one woman show for a while?
I cannot wait to roam the city and see all the shows I can and talk to everyone I can. Can you tell I’ve been alone doing a one woman show for a while?
Are there any other shows at the Fringe you’d like to recommend?
I’m going to see Alison Spittle’s show as I have heard good things about it.
I’m going to see Alison Spittle’s show as I have heard good things about it.
What was the first piece of theatre you saw which had a big impact on you?
I saw a Berkoff piece at Riverside Studios which woke me up a fair bit!
I saw a Berkoff piece at Riverside Studios which woke me up a fair bit!
What do you hope an audience member takes away from seeing the show?
That they laughed a lot and know they are not alone, and that if you’re scared of saying something because it explores the darker side of you then don’t worry because I’ll say it for you!
That they laughed a lot and know they are not alone, and that if you’re scared of saying something because it explores the darker side of you then don’t worry because I’ll say it for you!
Where and when can people see your show?
Gilded Balloon - Patter House: 30 July - 10 Aug, 19:15.
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