Words: Alex Grunberg

5 Stars

Instructions presents us with an actor playing a role they have never rehearsed in a play they have not read, prompted by written directions and a media-responsive environment. I had the pleasure of watching Temi perform as the actor in a show that embodies the kind of creativity I come to the Fringe to see.

The vulnerability of the performer and the insistent demands of the instructions highlight the gruelling life of an actor. We are shown how precarious this career can be, how much faith actors put in audiences and employers to support them, and the amount of trust it requires to take a risk with your creative dreams. And it is wonderful and artistically inspiring to see the risks both the creator Nathan Ellis and Temi embraced in this show.

While already conceptually impressive, the story itself is beautiful and heart-breaking as well, and rekindled my rage against so-called AI “art.” I felt genuine sorrow for our actor as the plot unfolded, made all the more impressive by the knowledge that Temi was reacting to the story in the moment, learning the twists with the audience. Any imperfections, the little moments of hesitation, just worked to elevate the themes inherent in the story. These imperfections are the humanity at the heart of theatre.

I am wildly curious to see how other performers play the actor. A Fringe show that I am sure is worth seeing twice.

Instructions
Summerhall, Old Lab
13:10
Aug 7-11, 13-18, 20-26