post by @nataliagresty

Seen by Natalia at Edinburgh Festival Fringe on the 8th of August 2024

4 stars – turbulent and energetic though sometimes confusing

Buckle up, spectators, fans of psychedelics, microdosers, scientists and those otherwise curious, for Sarina Freda is about to take you on board of her turbulent ride of acid-induced highs and lows, near-death experiences and resolutions. In her hour-long one-woman show, she blends comedic and tragic storytelling and manages to make 180 degree turns and make you laugh, then cry, then hold your breath without much notice. Her energy and performance skills are indisputably great, but the initially thought-provoking twists can progress into more than a slight confusion. Possibly like an acid trip itself.

Sarina starts with a short comedic parody imitating a TV interview with the infamous guru of wellness (and wealth), Gwyneth Paltrow, who she proceeds to tell a heartfelt tale of her LSD-trip gone wrong. The lights and sound effects directed by her two producers perfectly articulate a state with heightened perceptions as she pops the tab and the world around her begins to spin. Even more intensified by the presence of her romantic interest, things quickly take a darker turn.

We’re notified of a trigger-warning just as the swirl begins, snapping in and out of her intense hallucinations and loud, intrusive voices demanding things from her. As she tackles love, family relationships, loneliness and loss, she’s rapidly oscillating between hopeless and hopeful, slightly moralistic and utterly lost. It’s a thrilling, amusing hour of vigorous performance, though we’re left uncertain as to whether it was the journey or the destination that’s more important.

2nd-24th August, 4:05 pm

Running time: 1 hour

Venue: theSpaceTriplex – Studio

Tickets and Info: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/no-no-no-please-no-god-no-nevermind-i-m-fine

Group: Sarina Freda – The Brooklyn Bottling Company https://sarinafreda.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarinafredanonono/