In this compelling and moving black comedy inspired by a real-life character in Gaza, Palestinian writer Ahmed Masoud weaves comic fantasy and satire with true stories to create a vivid portrait of Palestinian life in Gaza – where he himself is from – before the most recent heartbreaking events.
This production was first presented in 2018 at @70 – A Celebration of Contemporary Palestinian Culture in London and has since been giving performances across the UK. This is its Fringe premiere and we spoke with the play’s performer Julia Tarnoky about what it’s like to be taking this timely show it Edinburgh.
Q&A with Julia Tarnoky
How does it feel to be returning to Edinburgh Fringe?
I am delighted to be returning to Edinburgh, 40 years after my Fringe debut in 1984 which was as Isabella in Measure For Measure, a wonderful part and a really happy time. I am thrilled finally to be returning with The Shroud Maker which is such an extraordinary multi-role, a tremendous responsibility. After 21 performances of The Shroud Maker in 10 different venues over the last 6 years – I feel relief and gratitude especially now to be able to be performing it to as wide an audience as we can muster and attract
What can you tell us about your show and its inspiration?
The Shroud Maker is a darkly comic satire set in Gaza. I think of it as a brilliant microcosm of Palestinian History from 1944 to 2018 with the central character Hajja Souad sharing her story from childhood. The writer and director Ahmed Masoud was inspired to write it when he heard an eighty-year-old Palestinian woman talking frankly about her work sewing shrouds for the dead saying that war was good for business … It made him laugh despite all his worries at the time.
How do you think audiences will react to the show?
I think from experience so far all audiences will love this show, and especially now be eager and glad to see it – Palestinians as it reflects their homeland, experience and history, and everyone else who comes – whether or not they speak English [or] know anything about Palestine… every audience so far has loved it, responding with laughter and tears – and they have told me – sometimes simultaneously!
How have you been preparing for the festival?
I have been running the lines daily since 2018 when I first performed it, and in the approach to a booking found space to rehearse on my feet as this multi-role show has a detailed physical life – men, women, children and a vase. As the slot is 11:05 am, as soon as I knew this, I started getting up before dawn and building a routine to make sure to be at my peak to perform – I am by nature quite a night owl – but now am a determinedly early bird!
Will you get a chance to enjoy the rest of the festival?
Oh, I do hope so – I look forward to seeing the other shows under the Andy Jordan Productions umbrella of course, and will be making the absolute most of my afternoons and early evenings to enjoy the festival, seeing shows, meeting people, before – definitely – getting an early night. And I hope that evening shows I do not get to see will all do well and be in London later on.
Do you have any Fringe anecdotes you can share with us?
In 1984, going to see shows, I initially thought to do it it all properly, I would have a drink maybe on arrival [and] at the interval. But seeing show after show, I soon found myself a bit dizzy by mid-afternoon – however I luckily recognised the problem, and realising this was a mistake, switched to tea or coffee.
The Shroud Maker is at Pleasance Dome from 31 July to 25 August
