Edinburgh Fringe Chats (#36): Elisabeth Gunawan, STAMPIN’ AT THE GRAVEYARD

29 Jun

Conducted by Emmie for Theatre and Tonic

As anticipation builds for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025, we’re catching up with a range of exciting creatives preparing to bring their work to the world’s largest arts festival this August. In this series, we delve into the stories behind the shows, the inspiration driving the artists, and what audiences can expect.

Today, we’re joined by Elisabeth Gunawan to chat about Stampin’ In The Graveyard.

1. Can you begin by telling us about your show and what inspired it?

The show opens up in an apocalyptic landscape, essentially the graveyard of humanity. All that’s left is an AI Chatbot named ROSE who tries to figure out a reason for existing in this new barren wasteland, to do so she sifts through the memories of the human life that was. It’s inspired by a series of dysphoric emotions I started feeling during the pandemic, this feeling of living at a time that feels like the end of times.

2. What made you want to bring this work to the Fringe this year?

We’ve created a show we’re proud of, and it’s rare to find audiences as generous and adventurous as at Edinburgh Fringe! Immersive theatre and headphone theatre are both rising genres, usually explored by bigger commercial companies with a big budget. We created this show on a shoe string budget, with Ableton and home recording equipment, we’re renting the silent disco headphones (they’re the equivalent of about £3/person). This is truly a fringe take on immersive headphone theatre, where resourcefulness and ingenuity actually enhance (instead of detract) from the quality of the piece. It's also a little dream come true bringing a show to Summerhall - where I’ve seen some of my favourite shows!

3. How would you describe your show in three words?

Melancholic, Haunting, Evocative

4. What do you hope audiences take away from watching your performance?

To be reminded of their humanity, and to discover a hope that is resilient.

5. What’s your top tip for surviving the Fringe?

Stop comparing your journey to other people’s journeys. Also, try to make as many friends as possible, even with that stage manager who was rude to you during the stressful turnaround. They may end up being your new best friend!

6. Where and when can people see your show?

We’re on rain or shine at Summerhall (Red Lecture Theatre) at 12.15pm. We promise you won’t be bored. Or if you do fall asleep, it;ll be the best nap in town.

Book tickets at:
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/stampin-in-the-graveyard