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, Julia Ott discusses their show The Sound Of Water.
What can you tell me in your words about your show?
“The Sound of Water” is an original devised physical theater work that explores the question of what does a future without access to water look like. When a catastrophic drought strikes through the Western United States, towns dry up, crops are lost, and residents begin
to evacuate, but one woman, Katherine, stays behind.
“The Sound of Water” is an original devised physical theater work that explores the question of what does a future without access to water look like. When a catastrophic drought strikes through the Western United States, towns dry up, crops are lost, and residents begin
to evacuate, but one woman, Katherine, stays behind.
Driven by her insistent ambition, she descends into the canyon. What she finds could change everything, but nature strikes back when a sudden flash flood tears through the canyon. This debut production was developed
with support from the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts and is powered by Producer Hub.
with support from the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts and is powered by Producer Hub.
Where did the inspiration for this piece come from?
The inspiration for this piece comes from the book “The Secret Knowledge of Water” by Craig Childs. In this book, Childs’s book is a recounting of his adventures in the deserts of the American West. I was captivated by his descriptions of water in the desert and the idea that hidden water is all around us, we just need to know how to look for it.
The inspiration for this piece comes from the book “The Secret Knowledge of Water” by Craig Childs. In this book, Childs’s book is a recounting of his adventures in the deserts of the American West. I was captivated by his descriptions of water in the desert and the idea that hidden water is all around us, we just need to know how to look for it.
How have you approached developing the show?
My process for developing this show has been a blend of extensive research and devised theater techniques. What started as a group of twenty actors exploring the desert
landscape in their bodies, has turned into extensive research about the impact resource scarcity has on rural communities. I have now combined the movement explorations and research and turned them into the script.
My process for developing this show has been a blend of extensive research and devised theater techniques. What started as a group of twenty actors exploring the desert
landscape in their bodies, has turned into extensive research about the impact resource scarcity has on rural communities. I have now combined the movement explorations and research and turned them into the script.
Rather than creating a linear plot, I have explored
how metaphor, movement, and fragmented storytelling could represent the emotional and systemic complexity of scarcity.
how metaphor, movement, and fragmented storytelling could represent the emotional and systemic complexity of scarcity.
How would you describe the style of the show?
I would describe the style of our show as a mix of physical and experimental theater.
I would describe the style of our show as a mix of physical and experimental theater.
Can you describe the show in 3 words?
Suspenseful, Fast-Paced and Passionate.
Suspenseful, Fast-Paced and Passionate.
Away from your show, what are you most looking forward to about being in Edinburgh?
I am most looking forward to experiencing all the other shows at The Fringe and meeting artists from around the world.
What was the first piece of theatre you saw which had a big impact on you?
I remember seeing a local production of “Urinetown” the musical and from that moment on I knew that theater is what I wanted to do with my life.
I remember seeing a local production of “Urinetown” the musical and from that moment on I knew that theater is what I wanted to do with my life.
What do you hope an audience member takes away from seeing the show?
I hope audiences feel a sense of urgency after seeing “The Sound of Water”
I hope they feel urgency not only to act on the climate crisis, but also to connect with the important people in their lives.
“The Sound of Water” shows us that the only way we
will find a solution for the climate is through community and connection.
Where and when can people see your show?
“The Sound of Water” is performing at The Space Venue 45 at 11:05 (50 minutes) from 11th-16th of August and 9:55 (50 minutes) from 17th-23rd of August.
Tickets are available from https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-sound-of-water
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