EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Fragile Man
By: Natalie O'Donoghue Jul. 05, 2017
Tell us a bit about Fragile Man.
Fragile Man is an unsettling and insightful debut drama exposing two men's mental and emotional struggle to know their true selves. On an isolated hilltop they must face their darkest secrets and deepest fears in a chance encounter destined to change their lives forever. A battle for truth, justice and ultimately their own survival.
An originally scripted drama the play delves deeply into our shared experience of being human and how the threads of time and personal experience culminate in a pinnacle, defining moment.
What was the inspiration behind the show?
The play's topical inspiration was initially drawn from the dramatic and shocking rise in Western male suicide rates, highlighting the stress and isolation of 21st century living. Further developed through improvised workshops, Fragile Man takes a new perspective on mental health, our freedom to choose, faith, guilt, self-preservation and the dawning reality of our own fragile existence.
Why is it important for people to see this play?
Few plays at the Fringe will deal with the exploration of mental health in such an evocative, thought- provoking way.
Fragile Man writer, David Martin says..."what started as an exploration of the hidden depths of male identity has become a darkly mysterious, sometimes comedic and often moving journey of self-discovery designed to resonate loudly with its audience.
The hilltop setting is perfect for the dramatic opening and has allowed us to introduce plenty of metaphorical references; such as being on the edge, staring into the abyss, the fading of the light and the setting of the sun.
The story is told through a series of flashbacks which take the men (and the many characters they portray) off the hillside and into a number of other locations in time and place. This shifting between the flashbacks and the hillside creates a real dynamic, with an accompanying, original soundscape which transports the audience and projects the story forward with great pace and poignancy. One audience member commented "deep issues, beautifully communicated".
Why bring it to Edinburgh?
Inspired by visits to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2015 and 2016, David Martin formed Softsod Productions specifically to create a drama for the Fringe that would stand out from the crowd. He comments ... "in the hands of our outstanding Director Jacqs Graham and alongside fellow creative and actor Richard Miltiadis, we truly believe Fragile Man captures the very essence of the Fringe, in this unique, well-crafted, edgy and evocative piece of theatre."
Who would you recommend comes to see Fragile Man?
Its content make Fragile Man suitable for adults with an interest in intelligent, well-written, high energy drama. For people who are seeking themes centred on the fragility of being human, consciousness, 'meaning of life' philosophy, repression and trauma, Fragile Man is a must see play at the year's Fringe.
Timings and ticket information for Fragile Man are available on the edfringe website.
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