Rory O’Keeffe: The Edinburgh Interviews 2018
© Arsalan Sattari
Who? Rory O’Keeffe
What? The 37th Question
Where? Banshee Labyrinth (venue 156)
When? 13:20
Are you prepared for what this year’s Edinburgh Fringe has in store for you?
Yes. The official hashtag this year is #IntoTheUnknown, but this is my 10th Fringe so I personally feel it should be #HereWeGoAgain or #Another? #Really?.
What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?
‘The 37th Question’ is a comic storytelling show about a couple in their early 30’s who met doing ‘The 36 Questions’, a psychological experiment designed to make strangers become intimate. It’s about what happens 4 years later when they approach the ‘37th Question’… It’s about choices, jealousy, miscommunication. It’s also slightly interactive as the audience can choose which way the narrative goes at certain points, including the ending.
What was the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?
It’s been a challenge as it’s a slight change of genre for me. Instead of taking about myself like a narcissistic stand-up, I am telling the story of two fictional people like a narcissistic writer/actor. At times I’ve felt awkward, like I’m delivering a GCSE Drama monologue, but then I just worked that criticism into the show itself like a cowardly comedian.
Who would most enjoy your show?
The Liberal Metropolitan Elite.
Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?
Yes, lots. Christopher Bliss. Lolly Adefope. Matt Winning’s shows about climate change are good. And, of course, I am looking forward to watching all 22 productions of ‘Hamlet’.
What is your favourite thing about Edinburgh as a city?
The people. The views. The street patterns. It’s a very rewarding city to be familiar with in terms of navigation, like knowing a secret code. (Although I haven’t explored it as much as I would like.)
What are your plans for after the festival?
I am moving to Italy for a bit. There are no Fringe festivals there.
GET YOUR TICKETS FOR RORY O’KEEFFE: ‘THE 37TH QUESTION’ HERE