Edinburgh Fringe - Bin Laden The One Man Show

It is about time someone did a show about this monster of a man!  He was a mass murdering lunatic, a renegade, a despot, a terrorist and err, a family man?

The western media has encouraged us to use language of condemnation and judgement and how else are we to respond to someone who is responsible for the atrocity of 9/11?  However, do any of us really know the Man?

Bin Laden: The One Man Show is the brainchild of Knaive Theatre.  The show is not what you expect and this is how Bin Laden - played by Sam Redway - is presented from the outset.

The audience is asked politely - by a handsome, blonde haired, young man in jeans and shirt - whether they would like a cup of tea, milk sugar and a biscuit or two as they take their seats.  You are also presented on stage with a flip chart and what appears to be an autobiography. 

For a moment, you will have a second take, am I in the right place?  It would not be unexpected to ask yourself "I thought this was a show about Bin Laden?"

It is this challenge to the perception of what to expect from the outset that sets the scene for what is to come.  This is very important as both Sam Redway and Director Toby Tyrrell-Jones have to get the audience to release their preconceptions.

The story of Bin Laden is laid open, in a style designed to relate to a western audience.  Soft and business like Sam Redway releases the character's Charm without mimicry or stereotypical supposition.

In this way, the story of the Man is made human again.  The demonic, media monster montage is  dissolved.  We are introduced to Bin Laden the family man, Bin Laden the Scholar, Bin Laden the warrior against poverty, inequality, disenfranchisement and as a crusader against corruption in Government. 

The show opens your eyes into the life of the Man as opposed to the character narrated on through the media news.  

The show does not condone acts of terrorism, but it does offer a differing view concerning the motivations of the Man.  This may appear bitter sweet for any audience but as the character develops we are presented with the all to familiar mantra; Bin Laden condemning the West just as the West has condemned him. 

The energy of Bin Laden's motivation is projected in Sam Redway's portrayal of the man.  This would have been a difficult performance to put on for any actor or for any new Director bringing such an unexpected first to an International audience.

Knaive Theatre, present this show professionally and with dignity.  The content is well researched and remains relevant throughout.  The Audience's attention is held remarkably.

Challenge your assumptions, and leave your preconceptions at the door.  This is a magnificent performance.

Bin Laden The One Man Show is one at C Venues C Nova at 19.35 until Monday 26 August 2013.  The show then transfers to London for a limited run. 

You can book tickets for the remaining Fringe performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Box Office or at the C Nova Box Office.   

For more information about the show, visit the company's website: http://www.knaivetheatre.com/

Or follow them on Twitter: @BinLadenShow


   

  



    

Edinburgh Fringe - MISSING

If one person goes missing in Britain every two minutes, why do we not care?  

A simple enough message, but when combined with our societal discourses of gender, age, social and economic background to name but a few MISSING by the Engineer Theatre does not shy from pulling punches.

The performance opens in a paparazzi frenzy, a poster of Madeline McCann held aloft; almost elevated to God Like status.  This is quickly contrasted with the case of Luke, a teenage boy, who disappeared following a night out and this time not a camera in sight!  The show then shifts back into 1957, to explore the still unsolved case of Moria Anderson and jumps forward again to the mid 90s and latterly to present day.

The performance's time shifting - back and forth through each unique case - lays bear the discrepancies in Police, Media and Societal responses to such an important topic.  The Audience is invited to challenge their assumptions. 

Who is responsible for finding Missing people?  Is it the Police, Social Services, Family, Friends or the Media?  Difficult questions are asked throughout and in the case of Luke - explored through the experience of his Mum, Sister and Two Friends, we are left to consider is there an institutional hierarchy at play concerning how the Police respond or the Media get "their" story?

In another case, the Police perspective is relayed, taken from the point of view of a desk bound Officer, struggling under his case load, lacking effective resources and constantly fighting the edge of time.  Is it ever going to be realistic to find these people?

The story of MISSING is not something you would traditionally associate with the fight for equality, against discrimination or for human rights.  However, this in itself is also an assumption - a stereotype - that perhaps explains why Society has let this issue slip from the public consciousness.

MISSING shines light into that darkened, cobwebbed area of a topic hitherto unexplored.  If you are interested in equality or human rights themes or even just a story that captivates without a pin dropping on the floor - see the show.

MISSING is on at the Underbelly at 8.05 in the Cowgate.  You can buy tickets, or find out more from the Fringe Box Office by clicking here.     

To find out more about the show's company, Engineer Theatre, click here.