New Zealand writer/performer Laura Irish, who has the lead role in Macbeth: Blood & Bluegrass and is both book
writer and performer in Heracles: Of Men & Beasts, tells us about the two shows The Barden Party are bringing to Edinburgh Fringe this year.
Macbeth: Blood & Bluegrass
“Critically acclaimed, highly original adaptation of the Bard’s dark tale. Tragic yet uplifting, tender, raucous, poignant and high-energy. Set to a live score of Americana and bluegrass music, the multi-award-winning New Zealand troupe blend classic literature with a modern twist alongside original arrangements of Mumford and Sons, Dolly Parton and The SteelDrivers, creating an emotional, accessible, toe-tapping theatrical experience.”
Where: Grand Theatre at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall
When: 7-29 Aug
Ticket link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/macbeth-blood-and-bluegrass
Heracles: Of Men and Beasts
“Acclaimed Kiwi theatre company’s international premiere of this powerful, original folk musical shedding new light on untouched aspects of one of mythology’s greatest figures: his struggle with his darker self, his fraught relationship with Hera, Queen of the Gods. Four characters explore a timeless question. Who are we when no one is watching: hero, man, beast or god? Greek folklore blended with 1940s Hollywood aesthetic through a highly innovative live-looping musical landscape where one musician creates the sound of a full band.”
Where: Upper Theatre at theSpace @ Niddry St
When: 17-19 Aug
Ticket link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/heracles-of-men-and-beasts
What is the show about, and where did the idea come from?
Macbeth: Blood & Bluegrass – This was our 4th music-infused Shakespeare. Macbeth is by far my favourite Shakespeare play and the one I know the absolute best. I have strong feelings about how Shakespearean tragedies are traditionally presented and was so keen to present my own vision for the story, and when Ollie (our musical director) suggested it be paired with bluegrass music, it all just made sense.
The themes of Americana/bluegrass music are often stories of betrayal, revenge, heartbreak, destiny, redemption, and the supernatural, and the music is also often filled with mischief and passion. It was an absolutely perfect pairing for the story and the gritty humanity I wanted to pull out of it. The show feels like BBQ ribs paired with a strong glass of bourbon eaten by a fireplace on a stormy night.
Heracles: Of Men & Beasts – Initially, the idea was sparked by Ollie (our musical director), who had a vision for a song from the perspective of Heracles. He asked me to write the book for this musical, and I really struggled at first to find my voice for this piece. Why, me? A woman in her 40s. Do I really need to tell the story of the most macho man of all time and all legends?
Then, as I did a VERY deep dive into Greek mythology, interwoven stories, ancient greece and their cults and practices and how these influences and themes still show up in modern politics, societal systems and the legends that we tell today, I found my voice through the women of Heracles’ story and I think the story we’re telling presents all sides of a man who really struggled to know himself without being told who and what he was supposed to be.
This show is ultimately about seeing each other fully, flaws and all, and asking ourselves: “who are we when no one is watching?” Which matters more in this world: who people say we are or who we truly are on the inside?
Sell the show to a potential audience in one sentence!
Macbeth: Mumford & Sons, Dolly Party and Noah Kahan weaved into the most accessible, vulnerable and mischievous version of Macbeth you will ever see… murder has never felt so alive.
Heracles: A new original indie folk musical, where the score is played live by one musician using a four-track loop pedal and multiple instruments while the actors turn the story of the world’s greatest “hero” on its head.
What does the Fringe mean to you, and do you have any particular memories?
Edinburgh Fringe is a dream for us. We came all the way from New Zealand last year and gave it our all because we never ever dreamed we would get the chance to come again. And we are elated and beyond grateful to be bringing two shows.
Favourite memories include walking down the Royal Mile for the first time, seeing over 40 incredible shows across a month, making new connections with artists from across the world, getting to do a rehearsal of Macbeth last year in the real Birnam Wood right before Fringe, and last year Ollie and I got to drink whisky at a Fringe whisky tasting with Brian Cox. Fringe means connection, inspiration, vulnerability, joy and the potential for magic.
What are you looking forward to in Edinburgh?
Our concentration this year is getting as many people as possible to see our shows. We are looking forward to connecting to audiences through our stories and especially presenting Heracles, our first fully original musical, and seeing how international audiences feel about it for the first time.