ED FRINGE 2023 INTERVIEW | Truly Siskind-Weiss, The Strongest Girl in the World
With the Edinburgh Festival Fringe now underway, we’ve caught up with some of the artists and creative teams to chat about their work which is heading to the event in August. Today we’re chatting with Truly Siskind-Weiss about her piece, The Strongest Girl in the World.
1. Let's begin by pitching your show at the Ed Fringe, tell us about it?
Brought to you by a female led team of early career artists, The Strongest Girl in the World, is a a comedic and heartwarming, autobiographical, new solo play about one woman's journey to learn more about her late father and her childhood self. Truly yearns to understand the carefree child that she once was; her father’s daughter. As Truly tells it, she "knows [her] father through other people." In the play, she embodies those other people, voicing family members, friends, story book characters, and more in an effort to understand who her father was. Telling a story of growth, grief, and resilience, the play explored how we remember those we’ve lost.
The story has a non-traditional structure, using a series of vignettes to paint a three dimensional picture of loss through a child's eyes. It features music, poetry, biting humor, and plenty of silliness.
2. Where did you draw your influences from for this piece?
As the play is autobiographical, most of my influences came from my own life. I come from a family of people who would never describe themselves as creatives and, yet, they’re all some of the most riveting storytellers I know. In my show, I’m mostly trying to capture the vibrant spirit that each of them possesses. The show has also been heavily influenced by Hannah Montana.
3. What are the challenges of bringing a piece to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
Money! We are so grateful to everyone who has contributed towards our run, but even with the immense support we’ve received it’s been a big challenge to fund the show. Still, we have learned more from the experience already than we could have ever hoped to.
4. What can audiences expect from your show?
Audiences can expect an emotional ride that will have them laughing and crying in equal measure. Unfortunately, loss is a universal theme. As we explore the nature of grief, we know that each audience member will hear something different in it, and will connect to something we share. Still, it’s a show about death that is incredibly hopeful and fun. It takes a potentially isolating experience, and transforms it into something we can all share.
5. What are you most looking forward to during your time in Edinburgh for the festival?
Meeting other creatives! We have only been here for one full day, and we have already met so many people who have given us a renewed hope and excitement about our industry. We hope to connect with more people, support all the shows we can, and come away with new friends and collaborators. We’re also excited to eat our way through the city:)
6. What are the main things within your piece?
Lots of props, puppets, music, fun, honesty, and a little bit of sadness! But mostly, lots of props.
7. Where can people come and see your show?
Greenside, at Nicholson Square. We’re in the Fern Studio from August 4th-19th at 4:20pm. If you come to the show, please do say hi after! We love hearing from fellow creatives and audience members alike.
