Interview: Mark Saltveit, “Ego Tourism: Taoism in the Wild”

As anticipation builds for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025, we’re catching up with a range of exciting creatives who are preparing to bring their work to the world’s largest arts festival this August. In this series, we dive into the stories behind the shows, the inspiration driving the artists, and what audiences can expect.  

Today we’re joined by Mark Saltveit, who tells us about their work, Ego Tourism: Taoism in the Wild.

1. Can you begin by telling us about your show and what inspired it?

I'm a Taoist (Daoist) comedian. Discovered it very young, at 13, and gradually it became the closest thing I have to a philosophy or spirituality, though most of my friends have no idea. By its own terms it's very difficult to define, so it seemed like a fun challenge to try to paint a picture of what it looks like in practice over decades.

2. What made you want to bring this work to the Fringe this year?

This is my 5th Fringe -- previously I've done comedy or more straightforward shows (ancient coins, palindrome improv). I'm ready to put together a proper one-person narrative comedy show, with a director and everything.

3. How would you describe your show in three words?

Amusing, intriguing, free.

4. What do you hope audiences take away from watching your performance?

"THAT was interesting." "Yeah, different. I liked it!"

5. What’s your top tip for surviving the Fringe?

Some kind of regular exercise, which might well be lots of walking. Mostly for stress relief.

6. Where and when can people see your show?

"Ego Tourism: Taoism in the Wild" is at the Carbon, Room 3 (the Wee Room), PBH Free Fringe.

Fringe Venue 180, 208 Cowgate at the bottom of Blair Street, below the Monkey Barrels.

16:25 Aug 2-24 but not Tuesdays (ie not the 5th, 12th or 19th).