Q&A: EDINBURGH 2024: Eoin Ryan on TRAWLED - WHEN ADVENTURE BECOMES SURVIVAL

BWW caught up with Eoin Ryan about bringing Trawled - When Adventure Becomes Survival to the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

How did you first get involved in the world of theatre?

I didn't get involved in theatre the conventional way. Theatre and I seemed to merge organically. When I did a TEDx Talk on Trawled in 2022, I realised I was comfortable speaking and performing in front of people. The next logical step was to use that experience and broaden the story into a one-man theatrical play. A very big step up indeed, but my gut feeling was telling/ nagging me to do it. I followed that impulse and now I have the one-man show Trawled.

What made you want to share the story of Trawled?

Trawled is a great yarn - I just happen to be in it! Naturally, I would much rather be enjoying it as a spectator, but it is my story. When I realised this unforgettable story had a very important message embedded in it 'to ask for help' that was the catalyst for writing the book in 2019. I felt sharing my story and how I dealt with it might be beneficial to others to save them from making the same mistakes I made. 

What was the creative process like for Trawled?

Being new to theatre, I had to go see a lot of plays in a short space of time. My book writing experience was useful but I had to learn how to write for theatre. My first draft was probably a hybrid of both formats. I trusted I'd meet/ find the right people along the journey and I did. I was fortunate to receive mentorships from Minding Creative Minds in Ireland. Each mentor added their own touches. Also, through MCM, I met my Co-Director, Gabriel Graves. He originally said “no” due to my inexperience but I persisted and I'm so glad I did. I was never shy about asking for honest and constructive feedback and I feel that was a big help in the process. 

What is it like performing a one-man show about your own past?

I've made my peace with the past. I can't change it, but I can change how I feel about it . . . Sure, there are moments in the play when I have to relive serious trauma, but the deeper I go, the more impactful the message becomes. If I can bring people on the journey emotionally with me, then they are more likely to remember the message “to ask for help” if and when they might need it. I feel the benefit to others outweighs the occasional patches of trauma I feel. 

How do you take care of your mental health while reliving such an emotional time in your life?

It was 25 years ago when I worked on the trawler - time can be a healer. However, I have many coping ways including regular exercise (I used to be an endurance runner. I think my experience on the trawler gave me resilience). Managing my energy is important. I plan on having a “dry” Fringe for two reasons: 1) to give my best performance each time, and 2) I'll be more in tune with myself. Thankfully, the Fringe has an artist support facility, so if I need them, I'll drop in.

What is it like bringing Trawled to the Edinburgh Fringe?

It is both scary and incredible at the same time. It is my first time in Edinburgh and I am coming alone. I'm delighted that I'm bringing the best iteration of Trawled with me. I feel confident that Trawled will entertain and help people. I'm also full of optimism that it will be picked up by a producer. The Fringe is a big shop window and I am open to examining ways to spread the message far and wide. It's a lot of preparation but I believe good things are coming and that's what keeps me on track

What do you hope audiences take away from Trawled?

A feeling of empowerment to ask for help. A shared experience of being on the trawler deck with the actor as a spectator. And whatever unique private introspective feelings the play conjures up for each member of the audience. From reading audience feedback sheets, sometimes it can be all three. 

How would you describe Trawled in one word?

Unforgettable.

Trawled runs from 9 to 24 August (no performances on 10 or 18 August) at theSpace @ Venue 45 at the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

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