EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Baba Brinkman

Tell us a bit about your show

My new show is about the simple challenge of explaining how the physical interactions of a few billion neurons in your brain can add up to your innermost subjective thoughts and feelings and experiences, AKA "the hard problem". Some people have called this challenge impossible or even incomprehensible, but that sounds to me like a goldmine for comedy and theatre.

Why bring it to Edinburgh?

This will be my ninth Fringe since 2004 and I find there's something hungry and intellectually lively about Edinburgh audiences. People at the festival are switched on and ready to be challenged, but they are so completely swamped with choice that they demand immediate and constant entertainment and stimulation, and can never be talked down to. So in my experience if you can write a show that does well in Edinburgh, it tends to carry well to other places. That's why I like writing shows for the Fringe.

What sets it apart from other shows at the Fringe?

Nothing much. I'm sure there will be a real glut of comedic hip-hop theatre shows about neuroscience at the Fringe this year and I'll have to struggle to distinguish myself.

Who would you recommend comes to see your show?

Readers.

Are there any other performances you're hoping to catch at the festival?

Samantha Baines' new show looks delightful. Also, I just discovered the only other show with the word "conscious" in the title this year is Rosie Wilby's, so it looks like she and I are going head to head. Let the best nerd win!

Timings and ticket information for Baba Brinkman's Rap Guide to Consciousness are available on the edfringe website.

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