Desmond Devenish brings his show The Forum to Edinburgh Fringe this summer.
A gripping solo performance that plunders the murky depths of human psychology, exploring themes of rebellion, power and moral ambiguity.
Hitchens, forged from the crucible of a controlled upbringing and law-enforcement training, must now confront the ghosts of his past and the dangerous allure of radical ideologies.
As the lines between hero and villain blur, the audience becomes the jury that must decide Hitchens’ fate. How will he be judged? Where does righteousness end and extremism begin?
A thought-provoking exploration of guilt, reckoning and the quest for justice and identity prevalent in today’s socio-political climate.
Where: Studio at C Arts
When: 30 Jul-24 Aug
Ticket link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-forum
Desmond opens up about this interactive solo show.
Without giving too much away, what can you tell us about The Forum?
The Forum is a tense, character-driven solo piece set in the aftermath of a violent government raid.
It follows an undercover agent as he navigates the remnants of a separatist movement shaped by the memory of its fallen leader and the man who once loved her.
Through shifting identities, buried truths, and the echo of past convictions, the play explores how belief can bind—or break—a person. As myth and memory blur, The Forum asks: what do we become when the cause outlives its leader?
How involved do you anticipate audiences to be?
I’ve been intentional about avoiding a single, didactic viewpoint. Anyone who holds strong beliefs —especially in turbulent times—risks crossing that fine line between conviction and imposition.
Rather than casting the audience as detached observers, the piece invites them to enter the ethical terrain themselves. They don’t steer the narrative in a literal, interactive sense, but they do take part in a meaningful way.
At a key moment, they’re asked to vote on the character’s guilt or innocence. It’s less about verdicts and more about engaging their own values—how they interpret responsibility, motive, and consequence.
My hope is that audiences come away with a heightened sense of personal agency and the understanding that systemic change starts with individual and collective reckoning.
The Forum isn’t there to provide answers. It holds space for discomfort, doubt, and the possibility of transformation —both in how we see ourselves and how we judge each other.
How did you get your start in theatre? Do you find Fringe festivals inspiring?
I’ve been drawn to theatre since I was a young boy in primary school. I loved escaping into other worlds—to become a bigger, more expressive version of myself.
I got an early break when I made it to Broadway at twenty, in a production of On the Waterfront. It was a remarkable cast of players—I worked alongside Budd Schulberg, Terry Kinney, James Gandolfini, and many other talented performers.
The production was ambitious and costly, but it faced tough reviews and closed sooner than expected.
That experience could have defined my career differently, but instead, it taught me resilience and the importance of staying true to the kind of work I want to do.
As for the Fringe—this is my first, and I’m excited to dive in. There’s something wild and liberating about it.
I’m here to share my work, but also to take in everything around me—to celebrate what other artists are doing, whether theatre, stand-up, cabaret, magic, music, or more. It’s all part of the same pulse.
I’m eager to learn from the diverse voices and styles the Fringe nurtures and to be part of a community that values bold, boundary-pushing work. It reminds me why I fell in love with theatre—its power to challenge, connect, and inspire.
What are you looking forward to the most at Edinburgh?
The people—definitely number one.
Having lived here for a couple of months now, it’s been such a pleasure chatting with the locals, hearing their stories, and soaking in the greenery while wandering the historic streets.
There’s a feeling of refined regalness here. It’s a warm, welcoming crowd, and I just know this festival will channel some very special energy.
Where can we see your work after Fringe?
You can keep up to date with my work on LinkedIn or Instagram, where I’ll be sharing the latest announcements about my projects.
In the meantime, it’s all about The Forum. Come join me there—I hope it’s an experience that stays with you long after the lights dim.