Deadline at the Fringe are interviewing performers across the month, putting 20 questions to them off the cuff.
Catherine Graindorge is a writer, theatre-maker and violinist. Her show ‘Before the End’ details her experiences of grief, loss and love following her father’s death in 2015.
‘Before the End’ is part of Wallonia Brussels Selection
1. First impressions of our fair city and, why are you here?
It’s been 4 days since I arrived in Edinburgh and I fell in love with this city. I have already walked around and I love the architecture, the spirit, the green spaces… and the people are really nice! I’m going to play my solo show “Before the End” at Summerhall, in the Cairns lecture during the all August.
2. Does your time here bring on joy or dread?
It brings joy.
3. How did you travel to the capital, and are you alone or with friends?
I came by plane with my technical director and the two person in charge of the production. And I’m looking forward to see my partner and my youngest daughter who will come on August the 11th for a week.
4. Where will you visit on your day off and why?
I would like to visit the countryside, go to the sea and walk into the remote places of the city.
5. What Scottish delicacies do you enjoy and, do any of them fill you with fear?
I enjoy all kinds of fish but doesn’t eat meat so unfortunately Haggis is not really my cup of tea!
6. Which watering hole will you most likely be stopping at?
I don’t know yet, any suggestion ?
7. Which other act would you be most likely to recommend to a friend?
I highly recommend you take a look at the rest of the Belgian selection : Dance, theatre, pop-rock for kids, .. there’s enough to suit all tastes.
Check Comète, Steve Reich Project, FrontX, Triple Buse, BUZZ and Are we not drawn onward to new erA !
8. Plug your show in three words.
Grief, love, music
9. Are you a newcomer or a veteran?
A newcomer.
10. What do you love most about the festival?
The city and all the diversity it offers.
11. What do you hate most about the festival?
It is sometimes too crowded.
12. What is your biggest fear before going on stage?
To lose my words.
13. Quote yourself. What’s the best thing you’ve ever said?
“Lovely”
14. What does success and failure mean to you?
I think that they are all natural parts of life.
15. What is your worst habit?
I do tend to leave at the very last minute when I have to take a train or a plane
16. Most embarrassing moment?
In a fancy restaurant – I was young : I swallowed a hair that was on my plate instead of spitting it out in order to not make the person who invited me for the first time feel uncomfortable. I deeply regret it.
17. Where is your favourite place in the world and why?
When I discovered New York for the first time, I was a young adult. At that time, this city was crazy. Everything was possible and each person was unique, extravagant. I remember parties in Manhattan, cafés in Greenwich where people were talking to each other. I was in a kind of permanent ecstasy. I still love New York but I’m a bit nostalgic of that time.
18. Who would you choose to be if you were not you?
I would be Brian Eno.
19. What is your greatest ambition?
To go where I haven’t been yet : both in worldwide locations and out of my comfort zone.
20. How can we bring world peace?
I hope and think it could be brought with education, love and culture.
