I have caught up with Fenia Gianni who brings her new play Her Raving Mind to the Edinburgh Fringe for 2025.

Is this your first time at Edinburgh Fringe?

Yes, this is my first time! I am truly excited to be performing my new play, HER RAVING MIND, at this renowned international festival, alongside many other talented artists from around the world. It has been a longstanding aspiration of mine.

 

How long have you been preparing your show for Edinburgh?

It has been about a year, during which I adapted the play for the fringe festival from a full-length to a 1-hour performance, cast the production, and went through rehearsals. This has been a truly empowering period of time, working with an incredible and diverse group of artists, directors, producers, and light and sound designers. I’ve gained valuable new knowledge on how to participate in this exciting global artistic event.

 

What is your motivation to perform there?

As I mentioned earlier, it has been an aspiration of mine for many years to share my work with the vibrant, diverse audience of the Fringe. I aim to present something new and innovative—an emotionally charged, at times raw and gruesome story, enriched with dynamic sound and physical movement. As the playwright, I also want to openly explore themes of narcissism and emotional abuse, and ignite community conversations around these important issues. My personal motivation is driven by a passion for diverse artistic expression and the work my theatre company is doing to combat marginalization within the arts—supporting artists of different races, ethnicities, immigration backgrounds, gender identities, disabilities, and ages. As a foreign artist who has lived in various parts of the world, I understand what many of these artists experience, and I am committed to creating more opportunities for those who are often overlooked or neglected in our field.

 

What have you done to prepare for the Edinburgh Fringe, emotionally and physically?

Oh it’s truly been quite the rollercoaster – in the best way possible. I’ve been deeply immersed in a journey of emotional catharsis, focusing on personal growth and self-care. The play itself is, in part, an autobiographical piece, which has made the process of writing and editing over the past nearly two years profoundly intimate and transformative. It’s been personally challenging at times, undeniably, but equally cathartic and liberating.

Lately, I’ve been prioritizing self-care— exercise, reflection, and reconnecting with my fellow artists and members of my creative community. This period has allowed me to nurture myself while also channeling the powerful messages of the play, giving me the artistic space to share these stories with our audiences. It’s been a journey of both introspection and expression, and I feel grateful for every step of it.

 

Have you had any advice from other’s who have performed at the Fringe?

I consider myself very fortunate to live in Brighton, a vibrant, diverse city bustling with a rich network of artists, theatre-makers, and friends who are always nearby. Over the course of my journey, I’ve been grateful to receive invaluable advice from my team, various collaborators and seasoned artists who have previously performed at the Fringe. Their insights have been vital in shaping the development of my work.

Most notably, the guidance around the technical aspects—the ‘mechanics’ of the Fringe—has been incredibly helpful. Whether it’s navigating promotion and marketing, working on posters and flyers, preparing my fliering practice for the Fringe, or networking within the community, each piece of advice has greatly expanded my understanding of the Fringe. These insights have enriched my perspective as a theatre-maker and artist in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I truly feel very fortunate to have such support on this exciting journey.

Have you visited Scotland or Edinburgh before?

I have a deep love for Scotland. I spent a year living in Glasgow back in 2016, and honestly, it was one of the most memorable and joyful times of my life. I adore the rich culture, the warm and vibrant people, the soulful music, and the delicious cuisine.

Edinburgh, in particular, holds a very special place in my heart. Its energy, gorgeous architecture, and the dynamic, diverse theatre and arts scene really inspire me. And yes! Edinbrugh does embody its nickname, the Athens of the North, which resonates deeply with me since I come from Athens of the South, in Greece 😉

 

How have you found booking  accommodation?

I began searching for accommodation online quite early, back in December. Luckily, I found a lovely, centrally located apartment for my cast and myself. I’m especially delighted to hear that pets are allowed—yes, I’ll be coming and ‘Fringe-ing’ with my 8-month-old kitten and my wonderful dog, Honey.

I can’t wait to experience the vibrant, creative energy of the Fringe while staying in Edinburgh – the unique buzz of the festival!

 

What plans do you have for your show after the Edinburgh Fringe is over?

My plan is to tour the show across the UK and internationally – this is a vital part of my journey as a playwright! I want to bring HER RAVING MIND to audiences around the world, and to have diverse viewers experience this new writing firsthand, with all its twists and surprises (no spoilers!).  Of course, I aspire to perform the play in London, one of my favourite cities, known for its incredible artistic energy and vibrant creativity. I believe London audiences will genuinely embrace HER RAVING MIND and resonate with its bold and dynamic blend of psychological thriller, dark comedy, and drama.

 

Please feel free to add anything else you would like to include in the interview.

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank and acknowledge my incredible team of collaborators, my theatre company, and my network of artists and friends. Their belief in me and their support have been invaluable throughout this deeply personal journey of writing and producing the play. As I mentioned earlier, it has been an emotional and transformative journey—one that has allowed me to infuse the work with many autobiographical elements, and open it up to the community, and work with and share stories of other women with similar experiences, which I’ve woven into the script.

The trust and love I’ve experienced from those around me, along with their dedication and encouragement to push me forward, have been vital to the development of this project. Particularly in recent weeks, with the two preview shows at the Brighton Fringe, the energizing and incredibly valuable feedback from theatre makers and audiences alike has propelled us to another level. Their insights have reinvigorated our entire team and our production, and we are beyond excited to bring this play to the Fringe.

Photo credit – Steve Ullathorne.

https://www.instagram.com/herravingmind?igsh=MTZ1NDJnZWRqdWF6YQ==

https://edinburgh.justthetonic.com/events?s=Her+raving+mind&venue=&subvenue=&event_type=