It is festival season and that means that in the next month there is so many great comedy festivals to look forward to! This month we are looking at some of the great shows that you can see at the Edinburgh Fringe. So take note because we are going to give you all the information you need for just a handful of some of the great shows happening this year!

The Other

Location:  Scottish Storytelling Centre – Netherbow Theatre (Venue 30)

Dates: Aug 14th-16th

Time: Times vary

Price: £14.00 Concessions £12.00

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/other

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

I am a Scottish, Edinburgh based guitarist, influenced by many different styles from around the world. My instrumental compositions and songs are created by drawing on these influences and the experiences I have had from almost 40 years of playing with a variety of bands. 

This brought me, 4 years ago to start seeking out the musicians who are now part of the 8-piece ensemble ‘The Other’,  a collaborative music project, comprised of musicians from Scotland plus those from a lived experience of displacement and migration. They are from Scotland, Iran, Chile, Brazil and Yemen.

Tell us all about your show!

The Other is an extraordinary hour of music and images from a pool of 8 musicians and a visual artist, some who have an experience of forced displacement and migration, from Scotland, Chile, Iran, Brazil, Syria and Yemen. Creating a vibrant and moving multimedia experience of music and visual art.

How did you come up with the name of your show that you’re taking to the Fringe?

The Other – definition….

 “ member of a dominated out-group, whose identity is considered lacking and who may. be subject to discrimination by the in-group”.

I read a book by the Polish journalist  Ryszard Kapuciski who witnessed and reported on major wars, coups and revolutions as they happened throughout the developing world and global South. In this distillation of his reflections on a lifetime of travel, he takes a fresh look at the Western idea of the Other: the non-European or non-American.

This made me think about this concept of how we often perceive and build prejudice and barriers between different cultures and people that only reinforce ignorance, and that by reflecting on our perception of ‘the other’ we can shift our view that who we see as ‘them’ and not ‘us’, we can not only become aware that, we are also ‘the other’, but that ultimately we are all human”.

I thought that by naming this ensemble ‘The Other’, we can create a debate to challenge this thinking, and show the positive impact and power a musical collaboration between cultures can represent diversity.

What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at the Fringe?

So many, but have a look through the Made in Scotland Showcase brochure /program as a small snapshot of the best that is on offer.

Have you done the Fringe before? 

Only on the very fringes…….ha ha ha

What is the best way to enjoy yourself at the Fringe?

Be as diverse as possible in the genres and artistic practices you choose to go to.

Ok, where is your favourite place to eat at the Fringe?

Again so many to choose from, but look outside of the central area, especially Leith

Best thing about performing at the Fringe?

Opportunity to engage with new audiences and artists.

Top tips for travelling around the Fringe and getting to shows on time?

Walk or cycle, public transport.

What would be your top three items every performer must take to the Fringe?

Energy ,set your intention, be open to listening as well as engaging.

What’s the secret to successful flyering?

Less is more , be targeted

If people want to find out more about you, where can they follow you on social media?

https://www.instagram.com/theother_2023/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKNhEzaDDE_ivToM5aGUfyg

https://www.theother.uk/

https://theother3.bandcamp.com/community

And finally, in three words – Why should people come and see the show?

It is a unique, vibrant , moving and joyful multimedia experience.