Zibby Allen discusses Kelly MacDonald, religion and the weather.
Tell us about your Fringe show
I'm in two shows: Fault Lines by Stephen Belber and Filthy Talk for Troubled Time by Neil Labute. They are two very different plays to say the least.
Filthy Talk for Troubled Times is one of Labutes earliest plays and I'd say the title is quite fitting... it's set in a strip club and the characters that dwell within that space are unfiltered and unconcerned with being pretty or refined.
On one hand the world of Filthy Talk could seem quite shocking to an onlooker. On the other hand, what I find most interesting is that these characters and this world are a legit reality for someone somewhere. That's a fun world to visit as an actor.
By comparison, Fault Lines follows a more linear story telling form. What I love about Belber's play is the twists and turns it takes in such a short amount of time. Trust me, no one will be able to predict what happens.
How does it feel to be playing the Fringe for the first time?
I'm excited and honored. Anyone I know who's been only raves about the experience. To be surrounded by so many artists and so much theater is like a thespian's heaven. I can't wait.
If you were not a performer what would you be doing?
Ummmmm I don't understand this question. Everything and anything I naturally gravitate to seems to have some performance aspect to it. I can't say why. I guess I'd just stick to writing.
What do your family think of your show?
They only saw me in Fault Lines (and loved it). I think my very religious father might keel over if he saw me as a stripper-waitress in LaButes Filthy Talk.
How do you combat pre-show nerves?
Sometimes I meditate. Sometimes I sing. Sometimes I pee a bunch. Sometimes I just stew in sent from my iPhone.
Worst on stage experience?
Did a play once with a 102 degree fever. No one seemed to notice but I was in hell.
What do you love about Scotland?
So far, the dialect and the weather (it's 100 degrees in LA right now, by comparison). Also, I've got a lot of Scottish in my family lineage so that gives some added connection to being here for me... I'm looking forward to becoming truly immersed over the next five weeks.
What do you like about Edinburgh?
Everyone I've met so far. Particularly Naomi Garriock - the owner of Basic Mountain Gallery which we've transformed into our theatre space. Naomi is a true gem.
Who’s your favourite Scottish performer?
Kelly MacDonald is quite lovely.
Zibby Allen will perform in Fault Lines and Filthy Talk for Troubled Times at Basic Mountain today.
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