Waiting for a Train at a Bus Stop by Mwanss Phiri.

Waiting for a Train at the Bus Stop by Mwansa Phiri is one of the rare gems this year in Summerhall this Edinburgh Fringe. One of those performances that moves you on all levels. Combining spoken word and poetry the two methods are so well blended that you don’t feel like you are being spoken at with poetry.

It takes 17 minutes to die from being hit by a train according to the research that Chilufya (Yaisa) has gathered. As the story develops the audience begin to understand the relevance of this statement.

Paul is passively aggressive in his actions and behaviour towards her from the beginning. The controlling coercive behaviour is drip-fed into her over a matter of time. When the relationship first begins she loves the fact that he has order and a place and routine for everything. After a few months into their relationship she is terrified of getting the routine incorrect and him becoming horrible is torturing her.

When she asks her father for advice and he explains that a man will always know what’s best for a woman she questions how can two men know what is in the best interests of a woman a very interesting and poignant question. It compounds the abusive relationship further.

The performance doesn’t hit you with the subject matter at any point the slow build-up and drip feeding into the minds of the audience mimics how domestic abuse works towards a victim slowly building it up until you don’t know which way to go and you are utterly confused. which is exactly the way the perpetrator would like you to be feeling that’s when they have the power over you.

There isn’t a clear conclusion at the end of the show the audience goes away making their mind up as to what happens to her at the end allowing the audience to be in control of their own decision at the end.

Waiting for a train at the bus stop is one of the Fringe must-see shows for 2023. Hopefully, it will go on tour further beyond the Fringe. A powerful piece with an important message.

More information and to book tickets for this show please use the link below.

Four Stars.

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/waiting-for-a-train-at-the-bus-stop