Making its debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023, Distant Memories of the Near Future explores a series of five interlocking love stories in a dystopian future – all from the mind of writer and performer David Head. Head, alongside director Laura Killeen, immerses you into this near future with a multimedia performance, using today’s advanced technology to conjure up tomorrow’s world. He explores our relationships with technology, creativity and ourselves with his trademark lyrical storytelling.
With five overlapping narratives from space miners to tech moguls, Distant Memories of the Near Future briefly sees an AI performer powered by technology from Synthesia join David onstage, as he examines the inner workings of hearts, minds and technology.
Would you mind giving us a brief insight into what your show is?
Of course! Thank you for having me. I’m David Head, the writer and performer of Distant Memories of the Near Future. It’s a piece of speculative storytelling theatre, weaving together five different stories about love, technology and being human. And it will be on at Summerhall, at 17:45, for the full run. It’s funny but also moving. And I’m excited to share it with everyone.
Tell us about the creative team and process involved?
As mentioned, I’ve written the show, and am performing it. But there’s a huge amount of creative talent that’s helped bring it to life.
The tremendous Laura Killeen is my director. She’s been a pivotal force in making this a reality. We also have a huge cast of exceptional voice-overs: Fergus Leathem, Siân Dolding, Graham Self, Valery Lessard, Robin Virginie, Ellie Jackson, and Guido Garcia Lueches.
And the sensational Jessica Munna plays the dual role of Emily 1.0 and Emily 2.0 – two AIs that exist in our universe. She’s provided VO work, but we’ve also captured video of her and turned her into a digital avatar with the help of synthesia.io – who have provided an enormous amount of technical support.
How does it feel coming to the Fringe?
Daunting? Exciting? Both at once? This is my first solo Fringe, my third doing a full run and my fifth Fringe total. So I have a fair few experiences to draw on; but the main lesson I’ve learnt is that you cannot predict how the Fringe will go. It’s a bit like surfing maybe? The key is to try and ride it, but it has the capacity to be brutal. Ultimately though it’s such an inspiring and beautiful thing to be a part of.
There are over 3,000 shows at the Fringe. So, what sets your show apart?
Ahhh, the golden question. How will I get the punters in while I flyer?
I think the way we use multimedia, in particular digital avatars, to portray the AI is unique. Especially combining this innovation with something as ancient as storytelling. I think the fusion of different theatrical techniques – coupled with what I hope is lyrical, funny and emotive writing – is very special. And really worth people seeing.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping for the audience to take away?
I hope they leave feeling optimistic, hopeful, entertained and connected with one another. I also hope they see that there is a sincere underlying faith in humanity in the show, that shines through the layers of satire and cynicism.
Your ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t there…
Hmmm. I don’t know if I have a dream audience. I’ll take anyone! But I think the ideal crowd is curious, up for a laugh but very open to being taken on a deeper journey.
And of course there would be a number of very generous journalists present.
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?
What is this “relaxing” you speak of? I will spend a lot of time at Union Brew Lab. Does that count?
As for other shows:
- Jessica Munna, from our cast, has her own one-woman show called Pieces of Me, on at The Space.
- Another cast member… Guido Garcia Lueches has a show at Summerhall called Playing Latinx that looks fun.
- Staying at Summerhall a moment, I’m very excited for Ben Target’s Lorenzo.
And I have two shout outs at Gilded Balloon:
- Olivia McLeod – Junk Monkey. Olivia is a great writer and performer and this show will be very special.
- Gone to the Dogs – a mix of theatre and music that’s mesmerising.
Finally… Joe Leather – Wasteman. This will be a Fringe sensation. Catch it while you still can!
In your ideal world, how can we improve the world of the Fringe, of performance, and the industry?
I’m sure this is everyone’s answer: but it needs to be more financially sustainable. Artists can’t keep making such severe losses every year if we want this festival to continue. I don’t know what the answer is, but the way things currently are… it’s a very difficult thing to navigate and I can’t see it lasting.
