“The world moved on from the OceanGate Titan sub implosion. Captain* Sophie Smyth hasn’t (rip). Armed with laptop, Logitech F710 controller and autism, she’s spent three years (and counting!) diving deeper and deeper, descending the depths of the internet and herself. A dark multimedia comedy about neurodivergence, mortality and the risk/reward of going too far. *self-declared”
Where: Former Womens Locker Room at Summerhall
When: 6-31 Aug
Ticket link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-subplot-a-hyperfixation-on-the-titan-submersible
What is the show about and where did the idea come from?
The Subplot is an existential theatre-comedy show about being consumed by the Titan submersible.
The idea is sort of the crystallisation of my journey with the Titan submersible, my attempt to make meaning of the story, and what’s worth the risk/reward. It’s a whole bunch of questions I have about life and death and everything in between. It’s about legacy and dreams and dying and my struggle but desire for human connection. It’s all true. Even the haikus (for every person I’ve ever kissed) (sorry xx).
-How would you sell it to an audience in one paragraph?
The Subplot is part multimedia presentation/standup, part immersive sub descent, part theatre show. It’s as much about the OceanGate Titan sub disaster as it is about my own life, family, and my experience being AuDHD; and the intersection of those two things and the existential questions it raises in me. I hope it’ll make you laugh and feel something.
How have you prepared for the Fringe?’
Well, this is my first Edinburgh Fringe (please be gentle)! But my prep includes: listening to lots of ocean-themed songs; reading some new ocean-related books (I thrifted a signed autobiography by Robert Ballard this week for $4.49!!) running (ew)(I know); and crying (lots).
What are you looking forward to in Edinburgh?
You know what, I just realised that I’ve only been thinking about what I’m afraid of, I haven’t allowed myself to get excited. Okay: allowing myself a moment to look forward. Omg I’m excited to have a reprieve from the gloomy Melbourne winter, to do the show and talk about my favourite topic all month, and meet new people, and have a new adventure.
What’s next for the show?
I don’t know! I hope it has a future life (I’m available is what I’m saying), but we gotta get through Edinburgh first, so tbc!