The Unnatural Disaster Theatre Co. presents Autobiographical Fiction, an ode to the classic solo Fringe show, at the 2024 Halifax Fringe Festival.
In a Fringe chock-full of improv shows and solo shows, we believe we crafted an experience that is, by some theatrical miracle, the best of both. – Logan Robins
In this Q&A, we learn more from co-creator and performer Logan Robins.
Autobiographical Fiction plays at the Bus Stop Theatre (2203 Gottingen St, Halifax) on September 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 & 8. Visit halifaxfringefestival.ca for tickets and information.
This interview has been edited.
Q. Tell us about Autobiographical Fiction. What can audiences expect?
Autobiographical Fiction is the world’s greatest solo show, which audiences have never seen and will never see again. It is an improv show, a solo show, an experiment in endurance, and a spectacle of storytelling—whatever the audience decides it should be.
Pre-show audiences will get to design the set, choose the music, set the stage, and fill the theatre with colourful sticky notes covered in prompts. From this, the solo performer, alternating each night between Olivier Blais & Logan Robins, will craft a bespoke 40-minute performance.
Audiences may laugh, cry, or both, often simultaneously. Anything that can happen… may happen.
Q. What was the inspiration for Autobiographical Fiction?
Autobiographical Fiction is an ode to the classic solo fringe show. As improvisers and experimental storytellers, we always look for ways to challenge ourselves and push our theatrical skills to the limit. This show provides the opportunity to do just that.
We were really interested in breaking down what makes a quintessential solo show and how we could use those tools to craft an improvised story that feels as though it were true. We were inspired by the freedom, play, and possibility of creating false true stories.
Q. Why this particular show now?
Now more than ever, we feel the need to bring our community together. Theatre has always been an exceptional tool for forging connections, and we wanted to take that further. This is not a standard passive theatre experience. Audiences get to create this show collaboratively and then see reflected to them the gift of a performer accepting their offers live on stage. This show is not only for audiences, but by audiences, and we think that is something the world needs right now. Everyone deserves to feel creative, safe, and ‘yes-and’ed.
Q. What do you hope audiences leave talking about after seeing Autobiographical Fiction?
We hope that audiences leave in disbelief that the entire show is improvised. We have worked tirelessly to merge audience prompts, sound, light, and story to create a solo show that we believe stands on its own every night. We hope audiences leave feeling a deep connection to the ephemeral character and story that we have shared because, of course, nobody will ever hear that story again.
Q. Why should someone come to see Autobiographical Fiction?
You should come to see this show because it is your show. In a Fringe chock-full of improv shows and solo shows, we believe we crafted an experience that is, by some theatrical miracle, the best of both. At any moment, Autobiographical Fiction may be heart-wrenching, hilarious, heroic, tragic, bizarre, haunting, quirky, informative or thrilling. We love sharing the experience with the audience and figuring it out live, in the moment, together.
Autobiographical Fiction plays as part of the 2024 Halifax Fringe Festival at the Bus Stop Theatre (2203 Gottingen St, Halifax) on September 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 & 8. Visit halifaxfringefestival.ca for tickets and information.