In our ongoing Edinburgh Fringe 2026 interview series, we are speaking to artists and creatives who are bringing their shows to the Scottish capital this summer.
In this interview, we speak with Paola Veneto, writer and director of Vincent van Gogh-Between Worlds.
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| Antonio Gargiulo in Vincent van Gogh: Between Worlds. Photo by Francesco Panasci |
What can you tell me about your show?
Perhaps we could define — although “define” is not really the right word when talking about Eutopia — Vincent van Gogh Between Worlds as an immersive and dreamlike journey into the universe of this extraordinary artist, through voices, testimonies and inspirations that come from the world he created.
Through history, philosophy and humanity, we explore the multifaceted universe that unfolds around the beating heart of an artist and a man who created a true revolution in art and for art itself.
It is also a story for all those who question the value of diversity as a force capable of creating movement and life, even when the price to pay can be incredibly high.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
Our style is contemporary, while at the same time deeply connected to the value of storytelling in its most classical sense.
Narrating voices and live music guide the audience through a kind of living book, trying to capture their attention in a direct and “simple” way, without ever giving up the depth and richness of the content.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
The desire to defend Van Gogh’s figure as a symbol and inspiration for everyone who chooses their own path — even, as I said, at the risk of “being destroyed by it”.
I am also reminded of Robert Frost’s magnificent poem The Road Not Taken… I would invite everyone to read it again.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
A year that has begun with wars and difficult news, challenging everyone’s conscience.
Coming to the theatre means asking ourselves who we are and what we want to do, each of us in our own small or larger way. Maybe we cannot change the world, but we can certainly transform the way we look at it and the way we look within ourselves.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
I would love to say that we are training like Rocky Balboa before facing the terrifying Russian giant 😜.
Jokes aside, we are a very large group, and we have had to find some very demanding logistical compromises.
Despite this, our desire to be there one hundred percent is much stronger than the fear of collapsing from exhaustion.
We are workers of art, with our heads high and our hearts open, ready to give our audience emotions worthy of the artist who inspired us.
Usually, we manage to make it happen — and we are counting on the incredible energy and spirit of the Fringe to help us do it brilliantly this time too.
If you couldn’t use a flyer to attract audiences, what ridiculous object would you hand out to people to get them into your show?
Hahaha, perhaps a talking ear to carry around?
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| Antonio Gargiulo & Cloé Xhauflaire in Vincent van Gogh: Between Worlds. |
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without at the Fringe?
A great pair of springy trainers and plenty of under-eye concealer 😜.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
Going home with eyes full of emotion and sincere applause.
That would be a truly great success.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
There are so many wonderful shows this year that I cannot make a complete list without risking leaving someone out.
One that comes to mind is Mythos Ragnarök, created by friends and fellow “fighters” like us — each in their own way, of course!
I would also like to mention Van Gogh and Me and When Vincent Met John: two “different brothers” in art, each with their own voice and path, but connected by a common passion.
We hope to create a beautiful meeting of intentions, hearts and art together.
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
The Gently Mad Book Shop & Bookbinder.
A magical place that resists globalisation and the digital world like a proud guardian of culture and beauty.
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Passion. Truth. Doubt. Contradiction. Beauty. Connections.
What keeps you inspired?
Keats expressed it better than I ever could:
“Beauty is truth, truth beauty” — that is all / Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
The desire to study and explore further, but above all the desire to never stop being ourselves, no matter what.
Authenticity, today more than ever, is a value to protect and celebrate like an invaluable treasure.
When and where can people see the show?
Every day at 3:30 pm at Assembly Underground, from 6 to 30 August.
We only take one day off, on 17 August 👻.
A real marathon, in other words.
We hope to see many of you there, supporting us and sharing with us this magnificent adventure.
Tickets for Vincent van Gogh: Between Worlds are available from https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/vincent-van-gogh-between-worlds
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| Antonio Gargiulo in Vincent van Gogh: Between Worlds. Photo by Francesco Panasci. |
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