Edinburgh Castle is a stunning backdrop to the Edinburgh Fringe each August (EdFringe)

EdFringe 2023 : Language Hunting at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

EdFringe is here again! And, as every year, I’ve been scouring the schedules to find shows that pique our language learning interest.

While there are plenty of performers offering entertaining insights from outside the UK, like Iceland’s Ari Eldjárn, and a swathe of non-English drama in translation such as this updated version of Cyrano de Bergerac, there are considerably fewer non-anglophone performances this year. It’s perhaps sad news for such an internationally oriented festival, especially considering the number of foreign language offerings in previous years.

That said, there are still some treats for linguists at EdFringe 2023. Here’s our round-up!

Paris: From Piaf to Pop

There’s always Piaf. Even in a dearth of foreign-language shows, the empress of chanson usually makes an appearance each festival, and this is one of two name-checking her this year. The focus, however, is the move into ye-ye in the 1960s, and the subsequent Americanisation of the French sound. It’s a two-date affair only, with fans still able to catch singer Christine Bovill’s second show at the Loretto School Theatre on 19th August.

Chansons: Songs and Stories from Piaf, Brel and Me

C Arts is hosting this digital, on-demand celebration of all things chanson by Stefanie Rummel. With tickets sold on a pay what you can basis, it’s a very accessible way to enjoy the festival even if you’re not in Edinburgh.

The Opera Diva’s Boudoir

Entwining narrative and a whole host of arias, Lieder and musicals numbers in their original languages, the Baroness treats punters to classical singing with a rags-to-riches storyline. Touted as fun for both opera fans and the opera-curious, it’s running at theSpace up to the 22nd August.

Latin Hearts Soprano-Guitar

Singing, amongst other numbers, songs by Lorca, soprano Silvia Mirarchi and guitarist Luca Villani serve up entertainment for the hispanists amongst us. It’s one show only, so be quick – they’ll be performing at artSpace@StMarks on Friday 25th August.

Gusla

Polish learners are in for an unexpected treat with this original language production, based on Adam Mickiewicz’s poetic drama Dziady. With shows running up to the 27th August, you can catch it at the Summerhall venue.

Have you caught any of these? Have we missed any gems? Let us know in the comments!

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