I’m A Philosopher! Why the F*ck am I Here? opens Thursday 13th August at The Cockpit, inviting audiences into this fun interactive lip-sync musical comedy. Learn more about what to expect:
1: What inspired you to create this unique show?
Structurally, I’m always keen to develop shows that are truly theatrical; offering an experience that audiences can’t get from the TV or cinema. That’s why we include lots of audience interaction, physical theatre, dancing and lip-syncing.
Thematically, I wanted to have fun exploring the juxtaposition of high culture and more popular forms of entertainment.
And, I also loved the idea of testing some of history’s key philosophical, sociological and cultural theories by putting their advocates into the ‘state of nature’ – or, at least, a well known jungle based reality TV show.
The result is essentially an amalgamation of those three elements.
2: Where could you see the show going from here?
I think everyone presenting a fringe show would love to generate an approach from a producer, an artistic director or programmer from a theatre.
But, we realise that the chances of that are pretty low – so we are trying to focus on having fun delivering the play as well as we can, given the resources we have available.
3: With audience choosing the path, how do you remember all the options?
Luckily, as the writer, I don’t have to!
We did an embryonic version of the show last year and the actors all said that we should really ‘lean into’ the interactive, ‘choose your own outcome’ elements of the show.
So, I extended the script to do that (it can now be performed in one of 36 different ways depending on how the audience votes).
As a result, the actors now have to learn all of those variations. So it’s definitely a lesson to be careful what you wish for!
4: Do the songs change dependent on the path? Do you have a favourite?
The characters all have their key song. Those don’t change but the final song of the show varies depending on who ‘survives’ up to that point.
My favourite song is probably ’Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive’ but ‘Don’t be a Dick’ runs it close.
5: Is there any underlying messages from the show?
The show is essentially absurd, frivolous fun. We want people to have a good time.
However, it does try to make the point that intellectual debates and academic arguments are all well and good, but to save the world we need to do something – not just talk about it.
6: What has been the most enjoyable part about creating I’m a Philosopher! Why the F*ck am I Here?
Without a doubt it’s been working with the director, the cast, the choreographer and various other of the young, passionate, creative, talented, intelligent, enthusiastic people that populate the world of fringe theatre.
I’m A Philosopher! Why the F*ck am I Here? opens Thursday 13th August at The Cockpit. Many thanks to Roger Francis for answering our questions. Book your tickets here!
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