Online lives, Artificial Intelligence, and the Beautifully Ugly at Edinburgh Fringe 2019

posted by Amy Zwaan | 08/07/2019

Online lives, Artificial Intelligence, and the Beautifully Ugly at Edinburgh Fringe 2019
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The Lincoln Company – Lincoln School of Fine and Performing Arts’ celebrated company-in-residence of emerging theatre, dance and performance makers based at the University of Lincoln – will be returning to Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year with three unique and exciting new shows.

Once again part of the prestigious ZOO Venues programme, The Lincoln Company are bringing two brand new studio theatre performances from emerging writers that examine our relationship with new technologies, and, in a first for the company, a Live Art street performance that celebrates the ugly and revels in the odd.

The company are building a reputation for original performance, and enjoyed resounding success last year, with their one-to one performance for a public bench, Sit with us for a moment and remember, named ‘Best ‘Quick’ Show of the Festival 2018’ (The Sunday Times), and other works receiving four and five star reviews. This year they hope to build on those successes and are inviting audiences to come and see these bold new works as all three pieces premiere at the largest performing arts festival in the world.

PUT YOUR BEST FACE ON tells the story of Lola, who is funny, confident, and always striving for perfection. Lola has everything a fifteen year old could want – friends, followers, approval – but is starting to move away from the people closest to her. She’s not sure she even recognises herself…

The show takes the form of an interactive performance that encourages the audience to become part of Lola’s life as she tries to navigate tricky relationships, and the real and digital versions of herself.

PUT YOUR BEST FACE ON is the debut show from Swings & Roundabouts (Level 3 BA Drama & Theatre) and marks their transition from students to professional performance makers. The show runs 2nd – 11th August, 2.40pm, at ZOO Southside.

“Electrifying!”
“I like how we were involved in her life – how we are part of it all”
– Audience Responses

UGGA (pronounced oo-ga), is the second in a series of street-based works for multiple performers, by artists Sophie Baker and Madara Vimba (Level 3 BA Fine Art), the first of which was selected for UKYA City Takeover Nottingham 2019, a festival of contemporary arts and culture from all over the world.

Described as a “celebratory Live Art intervention for everyone”, UGGA brings together the worlds of Live Art, dance, theatre, and installation in a unique piece made for outdoor spaces. Baker and Vimba, working with the performers of The Lincoln Company, will be performing at various times and locations around Edinburgh between 13th-15th August (follow @UGGA_ on Twitter for live updates), and are asking audiences to “Join us on the streets as we renounce perfection, dance, be wild, and cut loose!”

“Brilliant, beautiful, ugly, and bonkers!”
– Audience Response

INKA is a moving, original performance that combines physical theatre and contemporary storytelling to tell a dark and tender coming-of-age story. When two scientists struggle to parent their youngest son, they create Inka who provides human companionship, without human commitment – and remembers everything… both good and bad. As he becomes an adult, and faces the loss of his family, Isaac seeks solace in Inka once more – to pick up their relationship where it left off, to be cared for, to be loved.

Written by upcoming playwright Marcus Regan, and devised and performed by Bleeding Edge Theatre (BA Drama & Theatre Alumni), INKA examines the complexities of human relationships, and explores our fascination with Artificial Intelligence. The show runs 17th-26th August, 2.40pm, at ZOO Southside.

“Moving, terrifying, and beautifully performed.”
– Audience Response

Speaking about The Lincoln Company, acclaimed writer, theatre maker, and LSFPA Programme Leader, Dr. Andrew Westerside said,

“The Lincoln Company’s commitment to making high-quality work produced by its membership is one of the jewels in our crown. We’re delighted we can support our students and alumni as they step out onto the professional stage, their talent and enthusiasm for delivering impactful art and performance is inspiring. This year’s performances are witty, thought-provoking, and from the heart, and we can’t wait to share them with Edinburgh’s audiences”

The Lincoln Company are based at Lincoln Performing Arts Centre and work to produce and tour high-quality, original performance to venues and festivals around the UK. The company is manged by the members, under the guidance of Creative Engagement Producer, Rachel Baynton, and includes a mixture of current students, graduates, professional theatre makers, and practising staff from Lincoln School of Fine and Performing Arts.

Tickets are available via: zoofestival.co.uk or by calling 0131 6626892
Twitter: @lincolncompany | Facebook: @thelincolncompany | Web: lsfpa.blogs.lincoln.ac.uk/the-lincoln-company/

Story submitted by Rachel Baynton
rbaynton@lincoln.ac.uk