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Edinburgh Fringe Fest - Life Learnings of a Nonsensical Human
Life Learnings of a Nonsensical Human is a piece of one-woman spoken word theatre by award winning poet and performer Jenny Foulds. It bounces from the posters in her teenage bedroom, coming out, and raving to falling in love, losing a parent and finding pockets of joy in the darkest of times.
We spoke to Jenny Foulds, writer and performer of Life Learnings of a Nonsensical Human, about taking the show to Edinburgh Fringe.
Tell us a bit about your show
Life Learnings of a Nonsensical Human is whirlwind adventure through my ADHD brain. It’s a life so far. It’s a series of poetical windows into some pivotal moments in my life. It’s spoken word theatre that sometimes looks like stand up. The show is about raving, queerness and finding joy in the most unlikely places amidst grief. It’s a love letter to the people we meet along the way and to the sticky floors we’ve danced on all these years.
What inspired you to make it?
I lost my dad last year which has pushed me to do the things I love and to stop procrastinating with the time that I have. I had written half of the material previously but when we lost him i wrote prolifically, and ended up with the rest of the show. I found that there was a through line of finding joy in the most unlikely places, even in grief. If he hadn’t passed away I wouldn’t have made this show.
What’s the most challenging thing about doing a solo show?
It can definitely be a lonely endeavour to make a solo show, especially if you are also self-producing. It can be hard not to feel like you are in a bubble and it’s important to be able to try things out on audiences or other trusted creatives. I brought my director, Laura Mugridge onboard which has been a game changer. Even just having someone in the world who cares about the show as much as me, makes a huge difference. When she came onboard, we identified about 25 mins of the show that didn’t belong in there so I went off and rewrote almost half of it. If I didn’t have her, the show wouldn’t be in the place it is now. I’m very proud of it.
What’s your favourite thing about spoken word theatre?
I find so much joy in spoken word. I love the use of language and sounds. The different styles and forms. To find the most poetical way to tell a story. Spoken word theatre isn’t just one thing, it can be anything from drama to comedy to thriller. It’s pleasing to the ear. It can also be a brilliant way to move a narrative along without having to over explain.
What do you want audiences to take away from the show?
I would like people to leave feeling like they’ve laughed and cried then left with a hug. To feel like they have seen something funny and sweet and nostalgic and joy filled. That even in grief, it’s possible to feel joy again and to hope for more joy in the future.
You’re from Edinburgh, any tips for newbies visiting the city and the festival?
Enjoy the chaos. Don’t book up tickets for every moment you have, be spontaneous and take some chances on shows you’ve never heard off before. Chat to the performers who are flyering for their show, it’s a hard slog and you might find a hidden gem. Go to some after hours comedy. Try haggis. Get some sleep. Embrace the rain. Go to Bross Bagels. Get away from the city centre. Meander through the beautiful streets of the New Town. Go to North Berwick for the day. Check out Leith walk. Talk to the locals. Go up Arthur seat on a clear day. See Bloody Elle at the Traverse.
Life Learnings of a Nonsensical Human is part of the Free Fringe at Banshee Labyrinth 16-27 August at 3.15pm. Tickets and more information here
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