EDINBURGH 2023: I KILLED MY EX Q&A

BWW caught up with writer, director and producer Emilie Biason to chat about bringing I Killed My Ex to the 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. 

Tell us a bit about I Killed My Ex.

I Killed My Ex is a brand-new dark comedy following two dear friends, Tina and Lola, who impulsively kill Tina's ex after he leaves her at the altar, embarking on a hectic journey to get rid of his body—a funny, provocative social critique exploring friendship, love, and suppressed anger.

I am a fan of dark comedy, and I Killed My Ex makes a good blend of those elements. The humour hits like salted dark chocolate, sweet but with a little kick. I am interested in stories that are entertaining but also thought-provoking, stories that make us ponder about the twisted, intricate nature of being human. The play employs dark twists and a sharp and stylish metaphor-rich dialogue to shine a light on the murky world of toxic relationships while also digging into our understanding of self-worth.

Dare I ask, what was the inspiration behind writing the show?

"I Killed My Ex" sparked from chats with a mate in Brazil about seven years ago when we dug up some dirty skeletons in our exes' closets. From there, the story grew, pulling from many life experiences, especially those of my female friends and their toxic relationships.

The play spotlights what it's like for women who are always expected to maintain composure and conform to traditional caregiver roles, even when facing disrespect and mistreatment. The funny yet dark image of Tina and Lola trying to ditch a dead body is used as a metaphor for breaking free from an abusive ex after a breakup. I hope the play opens space for meaningful discussions concerning gender roles and toxic connections, encouraging reflection on the vital role of healthy boundaries in our relationships.

Why bring it to Edinburgh?

While I usually write and direct for the screen, I kicked off my career in theatre, and I've been itching to write for the stage for ages. This is my first shot at directing for theatre, and let me tell you, it's been one heck of a ride. Although it’s a two-hander, and the actors Alexandra Ricou and Rachelle Grubb are incredibly talented, I've never been to Edinburgh before, so it brings new depth.

I've heard a lot of good things, and although some people think it's a bit crazy to bring a show for the first time without having been an audience member, I'm always up for challenges and new adventures. Writing can be pretty solitary, and making films takes ages to get to the production stage, so I am keen to get my work out there and connect with audiences, artists, and folks in the industry.

Who is your ideal audience member?

My perfect audience member has an open mind and is curious about the messy, dark world of human relationships and the social rules we live by. They're after a satirical laugh, good twists and dramatic reveals that flip everything upside down. All this while chuckling and getting swept away by the killer performances of our fantastic cast.

What would you like audiences to take away from it?

What I hope audiences will take away from the play is a reevaluation of societal expectations, particularly around the notion of unconditional love, which is often tied to the female expression of affection. It questions how women are typically expected to show love without conditions (?!) even when facing consistent disrespect. The play says, "Hang on a minute, why is this okay?”

I truly believe that women's empowerment is creating a space for us to discuss emotional abuse and understand healthy boundaries in our relationships. I know so many women, myself included, who have endured toxic relationships at one point or another. It's time we bring these conversations to the forefront, especially considering our relationships' impact on our children. What we tolerate in our relationships forms their perception of love. They learn from what they see around them, shaping their understanding of what love should look like. We owe it to them and future generations to model healthier, more respectful relationships.

I Killed My Ex runs 4-19 (not13) AUG 23, 5:20pm (50m) at TheSpace @ Niddry Street (9)

Tickets are available here: 

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