Marta Mari. Theatre Director. Arts Manager

Huggers-Family Friendly Comedy and Cabaret
by Nik Coppin
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2014 (Free Festival)
Laughing Horse @ Free Sisters
I don't get it

A nice, eye-catching poster of two bunnies hugging each other. An image with no reference to the show whatsoever. The title-Huggers-Family Friendly Comedy and Cabaret. The only reference to the show is when the presenter Nik Coppin at the beginning of the show asks the audience to hug one another. And that would be it. What this show is, is a sample showcase of three stand-up comedians who have their own individual comedy acts for adults and use this so called “family friendly comedy and cabaret” to promote their adult show to parents that brought their kids believing it’s something for the kids. And of course buy tickets. Or maybe, the comedians wanted to try performing for the kids-in which case, they need to spend considerably more time with kids to see what really appeals to kids without putting nonsense into their heads. Because most of their jokes were balancing on the verge of disrespect for young children’s inability of critical thinking. Most of the jokes were rather about kids, which made some parents giggle but many people seemed disappointed. OK, personally I don’t like stand up comedy. There is maybe a handful of comedians around the world whose jokes are funny to me. I do respect comedians, though. I think they are a really brave lot getting up on the stage wanting to make people laugh. The more I don’t get why three smart and experienced comedians decided to be part of this? For me, the effect was contrary to the goal. Rather than wanting to see their acts I wanted to leave the venue as soon as the house lights wen up.

BRUSH  by Theatre Haddangse (South Korea)
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2014
C Venue
Pleasantly surprised

I really like shows from Korea. There is always some sort of delicacy in them. In the show for young audiences Brush, actors’ commitment to the storytelling and their own craft is impressive. Respect for their audience can be almost touched. The show directed by Kil Jun Lee is abundant in highly imaginative concepts of the use of recyclable materials to create a world in which five actors portray multiple characters. They paint the set gracefully for almost every scene. The show is dynamic and the movement choreographed meticulously. A live musician (Sangkon Seo) plays six instruments throughout the show mesmerizing the audience with various sounds and beautiful, originally composed music. My three-year old daughter was intrigued by sounds coming out of golden accordion that sparkled. I was most amazed by three flats with painted tree on them that suddenly became a moving peacock.  The story line was sometimes difficult to follow due to the performance being in Korean. There were some English key words, which helped a bit. Nevertheless, the show can understood and enjoyed as there is a lot of non verbal action. And here is a thing that struck me when I was watching this show: All the magic was created in front of us. There was very little mystery but that’s a good thing in this case as it sends an important message to children: you can create excellent theatre using simple, everyday objects, paint the world of your story, use your old xylophone or drum-it’s only a matter of your imagination. The children leave the theatre empowered, inspired and confident, because they've seen how the show’s done. And to be able to share one’s imagination so generously and openly with the audience is an art in itself.

More info and tickets:

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/brush_