Jean-Daniel Broussé, performer and creative behind (le) PAIN was kind enough to offer us a brief gander at their show for the Edinburgh fringe. This hot-steaming wonder of a show uses physical movement and the process of baking bread to communicate the pressures of generational expectation and small-village mindset.

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Would you mind giving us a brief insight into who you are/what your show is?

Hello there!  My name is Jean-Daniel Broussé. I am the only son of a third-generation baker and I was meant to follow in my dad’s footsteps and take over the family business. The issue is that I was gay and I soon discovered that this life wasn’t really mine. I ran away with the circus, literally, and became a London-based artist. Last year, my dad sold the bakery. I wanted to be part of that ending and (le) Pain was born. With the help of the theatre and cabaret superstar Ursula Martinez, I made a show about that story. It’s fun, cheeky, sometimes touching but always generous. It’s a story about building your own path without forgetting where you come from, it’s a show where you will eat bread and drink wine.

How does it feel to be a part of the 75th Anniversary Fringe?

I am so excited to be back in Edinburgh. I have been 3 times before that but it’s my first time with a solo show. After the difficult few years that we have all been experiencing, it feels like a relief to be able to perform again in front of live audiences! 

There are over 3,000 shows at the Fringe. So what sets your show apart?

Well, I do think I will be the only show that makes bread on stage. That’s a pretty unique and delicious USP. The only problem is that it will make my life the one of a performer AND the one of a baker. I will have to look after my dough during the evening and in the mornings of the show… maybe bringing the life that I rejected back with the one I chose wasn’t such a good idea… 

Your ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t there…

I want everyone to see my show to be completely honest. I feel like I made a show that can talk to very different demographics. Of course, it’s a show that will appeal to the queers, but I also want my show to be understood by my dad or my granny. Ok maybe my granny might find some things a little bit shocking but I still think she’ll understand and enjoy it. There is a little bit for everyone and humour always brings us all together. 

It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you’re intending on seeing/Recommending?

So every time I go to Edinburgh I take a monthly membership to the Sheraton hotel Spa. It has literally kept my body and my mind (almost) sane the last few times I was there. I would definitely recommend that to anyone performing there, or just visiting… treat yourself! Shows to see, I would say to go and see KIN by Barely Methodical Troupe or The Chosen Haram by Sadiq Ali! Et voilà!

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