BWW catches up with Eme Essien to chat about bringing Flat Shoes In The Club to the 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Tell us a bit about Flat Shoes In The Club?
It's a comedy theatre show where the audience is 'invited' into this "Girl's" bedroom as she is getting ready for her big night out! She keeps on getting interrupted throughout the night and it's through these funny interactions that we experience the private thoughts and how she is constantly trying to navigate her world of career, relationships, and career aspirations. It's quite high energy with music to get you in the party mood.
What was the inspiration behind writing the show?
I guess a lot of the inspiration comes from the stories and experiences that I would hear and relate to around post Uni/early adulthood life. There was this sense from everyone (society, university, old school friends, parents etc) that we now have to have it all figured out. What we want to do in life and how we should be doing it. I would see so many friends from school or previous clubs I attended, and they seemed to have their life mapped out. People were getting "good" jobs and prepping for a family life I felt very out of place. Most of my friends are not actors you see, so they don't understand putting every moment of your life on hold and dropping everything in a heartbeat to pursue that game changing role! I wanted to really bring some nuance to that experience through the voice of a young Black British woman.
How long has Flat Shoes In The Club been in the works?
I wrote an early version of this around 2016 which has since evolved to what it is now.
Why bring it to Edinburgh?
I love the Fringe and have been going for years to see shows. It's the perfect place to bring new work to an honest and encouraging audience. I have seen such amazing funny, weird and wonderful pieces and it is inspiring to see how those shows evolve. I think the Fringe is truly one of the greatest experiences anyone can have. Where else can you witness a soon to be award winning Theatre show in its early stages, go and see a show about an egg, heckle a famous TV comedian and take a trip to visit the Loch Ness monster all in one afternoon!
Who would you recommend comes to see it?
Everyone of course! If you like to be entertained and know how to bring that energy, then come along!!! Woohoo!
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