Seen at Edinburgh Festival Fringe on the 16^th of August 2023

3 stars – black and white cameo

There is pleasure in discovery, yet a greater pleasure comes from recognition. I don’t know who said this, but the second part is certainly the aesthetic criteria behind The Ballad of Truman Capote.

Part stream of consciousness, part a series of phone calls for the upcoming Black and White Ball, the play by Andrew O’Hagan (writer and director) is an interesting portrait of the man and the writer, his tastes and his acquaintances, and the thoughts that tormented him. The text is enjoyable and includes ironic, witty jokes.

The performer Patrick Moy focuses on the imitation of Capote, in particular of his voice and expressions, which is funny and creates the theatrical illusion. Nonetheless, the imitation becomes a major obstacle to the actor’s freedom, and the speech ends up being monotone. The stage setting is evocative of the historical period, but it could have given space for more dynamism to make the whole show more captivating. The relatively reduced movements, and the singing of the voice, combined with the absence of a plot, can result in boredom.

This monologue can be interesting for spectators who know the author well and are passionate about the personalities living in NY in the 60s, because they will experience the pleasure of recognition. The Capote that is rendered in this show can otherwise be a difficult character to approach.

Tickets and Info: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/ballad-of-truman-capote

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