10 Edinburgh Fringe shows about the housing crisis
As affordable housing becomes more of an issue around the country, it is becoming a more prevalent theme in theatre, too. Here's our pick of some of the shows tackling the issue at the Fringe.
E15
28 single mums are forced to relocate out of London, so they unite to confront their local council. The play is a retelling of the story of the Focus E15 campaign, when a group of East London mums were told they would be moved as far as away as Manchester.
6-27 August, Summerhall. For more information, click here.
Electric Eden
A group of misfits takeover a disused building, and discover what it means to stand up against 'the man'. Described as "party theatre", the production looks at the lack of affordable housing and how people can come together to fight the system.
3 to 29 August, Pleasance @ Electric Circus. For more information, click here.
The Marked
© Idil Sukan
Using real-life stories from community consultants, The Marked tackles the issue of homelessness by exploring its link with childhood trauma. It follows Jack who, as a child was surrounded by "monsters and invisible guardians", and now lives his adult life homeless on the streets of London.
5 to 59 August. Pleasance Dome. For more information, click here.
Home
Cate and Gia work themselves into the ground just to pay for their dilapidated, over-priced London flat. But even when they do get by, their manipulative landlord still wants more. Home explores the emotional effects that the housing crisis has on young people.
15-20 August, theSpace @ Jury's Inn. For more information, click here.
A Little Princess
Sara's life is going well; she's bright, popular and well-off. But when her father dies, she finds herself penniless, homeless and bullied. The story explores the power of hope as Sara tries to get back on her feet.
9 to 29 August, C cubed. For more information click here.
Milk
Three couples struggle to make ends meet in Ross Dunsmore's first full length play. Directed by Orla O'Loughlin, Milk follows the couples' attempts to meet their basic needs for food and survival.
5 to 28 August, Traverse Theatre. For more information, click here.
Rooster Rebellion
Ex-history teacher Shell finds himself homeless and deep in underground London. Living in abandoned Aldwych station, he panhandles with student Reece-Anne, who runs away from home to look after her teacher. The pair compete for hand-outs with Norris, a homeless veteran.
5 to 20 August, theSpace on Niddry St. For more informaiton, click here.
Sheltered
Sheltered explores how homelessness is an inevitability for some, and through numerous stories, looks at what makes people feel they are immune. The devised piece is produced by Bellyfeel Theatre.
15 to 20 August, Paradise in The Vault. For more information, click here.
A Working Title
A show about the "quarter-life crisis", A Working Title is the story of six people in the generation of renters. It's about "how disappointed your spotty 16-year-old self" would be by sofa-surfing and sharing a shower with eight people in your mid-20s.
16 to 20 August, SpaceTriplex. For more information, click here.
One Hundred Homes
Yinka Kuitenbrouwer visited over one hundred people to talk about their idea of a 'home'. Using photographs and quotes from the interviews, she created a story. Throughout the festival, Kuitenbrouwer will continue to visit people to add to her archive, developing the story further.
3 to 28 August, Summerhall. For more information, click here.
