THIS IS NOT CULTURALLY SIGNIFICANT present, YOU ARE GOING TO DIE. Performed entirely naked, this show is a nail-biting descent into existential anxiety as humanity stares down the proverbial toilet.
A surreal meditation on annihilation, resting on the knife edge between physical theatre and performance art. Ideograms and archetypal forms offer a shared purge illuminating the darkest corners of the human psyche and revealing compassion and humour in the most unlikely of places.
Would you mind giving us a brief insight into what your show is?
My name is Adam Scott-Rowley. I am an actor, director and meditation teacher. My show is called YOU ARE GOING TO DIE and it’s a surreal meditation on our unavoidable annihilation.
Tell us about the creative team and process involved?
The creative team is made up of myself, Tom Morley, who is an actor and meditation teacher, Joseph Prowen, who is an actor and director, Matthew Cater, who is our fantastic lighting designer, and Phil McDonnell, who composes the final song in the show.
The process is quite unique in that the show is a collaboratively devised piece that comes together through the use of stream-of-consciousness and improvisation. We work together as a group until I land on a characterisation or essence that feels right for the piece and the themes we are trying to explore, and then we just keep going with that characterisation until it forms into something more solid and relatable. It has also been developed live in front of audiences.
How does it feel coming to the Fringe?
I’m very excited to be coming back to the Fringe. I did my previous show, THIS IS NOT CULTURALLY SIGNIFICANT, at the Pleasance in 2016 and then again at the Gilded Balloon in 2017. I feel thrilled to be returning with my new show to Summerhall, as I have such respect for the programming. The only downside is that everything seems to be so much more expensive than it was a few years ago!
There are over 3,000 shows at the Fringe. So, what sets your show apart?
The show is performed entirely naked. It has an amazing minimalist and techno soundtrack and touches on universal macro themes about the human condition, whilst remaining rooted in surreal and grotesque humour. The show is also a combination of a performance style which I have been cultivating live in front of audiences for over 10 years.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping for the audience to take away?
I hope that the audience reflects on the preciousness of life and the sheer chance that we are all sharing this planet together, and I hope that people leave with a sense of common humanity and compassion. I also hope people are able to have a fucking good laugh.
Your ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t there…
I wouldn’t bother coming if you’re a prude, or if you like your theatre to be ordered and tidy with a focus on narrative. Really, I don’t want to exclude anyone from coming, but you might want to start at a lower level of intensity to this show if you are a Tory or faint-hearted.
It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you intend to see or want to recommend?
Well, I plan on running free mindfulness workshops for all participants of the Fringe this year. This will be a great way to relax, meet like-minded people and for everyone to connect a bit more authentically with themselves. I’m also just looking forward to enjoying a drink with the audience after the show! I’ve been so swamped with organising everything that I haven’t even looked at what else is going to be on, but I’m really excited to devour the programme as soon as I have time and book into lots of shows!
In your ideal world, how can we improve the world of the Fringe, of performance, and the industry?
For god’s sake, just make it cheaper!
