All this month we are speaking to Zoe Wohlfeld, an experienced actor who also has been clowning since 2022. This year Zoe is debuting at Edinburgh Fringe with the solo debut with Dog Funeral . The show has been co-written and directed by Jack Grossman. This week we talk about debuting at Edinburgh Fringe.
You are bringing the show Dog Funeral to the Ed Fringe this year what can you tell us about it?
Yes! It is a funeral for my childhood dog, Twinkles.
I created this show as a way to process my grief of losing animals. I think there’s a lot of shame around it, it’s like you shouldn’t feel as deeply when you lose an animal, but sometimes it can actually be harder than losing a person. My grandfather, who I loved very much but was not incredibly close to, died on the first day of my first fringe 3 years ago. Two weeks later my partner Jack (who is also the director and co-writer of this show!) lost his childhood cat, Elton. We had two very different experiences of grief happening at the same time. Losing Elton was a lot harder for Jack than losing my Grandpa was for me.
It’s your debut show as well – how are you feeling about it?
It is! I’m excited and nervous! I need to remember I am doing it because it’s fun. I think there can be a lot of pressure on debut shows, and I’d like to forget that!
What are your essential items to take with you to Fringe?
My noise cancelling headphones, waterproof shoes, and my cats (Humo and Bathroom)
How do you warm up for a show?
I talk to myself in the mirror and maybe do some burpee’s
How do you wind down from a show?
Eat food!
What are you most excited about performing at Ed Fringe?
Getting the chance to do the show so many times in a row!
What are you most nervous about?
Having to do the show so many times in a row! I’m nervous about burnout. Also that no one will come, we will only get bad reviews, and everyone will hate it.
Three words why people show come?
Unhinged grief dogs
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