We sat down with co-writer and performer duo Kheski Kobler and Holly Wilson-Guy to learn more about Dyke Systems Ltd, a dark corporate comedy satire that’s heading to Pleasance Courtyard this Edinburgh Fringe. For tickets, go to: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/dyke-systems-ltd
Great choice of title, how exactly did it come about?
As long-standing practicing DYKEs and MLM obsessives, we felt that DYKE Systems Ltd is the perfect blend of corporate cringe and lesbian leadership. It stands for Dynamic Young Knowledgeable Entrepreneurs – but don’t let that fool you.
The show is set in the 1990s — what drew you to that era of shoulder pads, blowout hair and lip liner?
The mid to late ’90s gave us girlboss prototypes, infomercials, and the golden age of pyramid schemes. Not to mention some of our favourite cult classics like Drop Dead Gorgeous, But I’m A Cheerleader and Serial Mom. Everything we needed to learn about doing a blow out and being a spooky girl. It was also the decade that packaged empowerment into a product – perfect conditions for our highly professional business venture.
Your show critiques the commodification of queerness and feminism under capitalism — were there specific cultural or personal touch points that inspired that line of inquiry?
We’re fascinated (and spooked) by how feminism and queerness get flattened into branding. Online hustle culture constantly sells us empowerment in the form of vitamin drinks and affiliate links. We’re especially interested in the women who feel excluded from traditional power structures and end up marginalising other women in schemes that only benefit the 1%. – as roughly 90% of MLM participants are women.
With queer venues disappearing, how important is it for shows like yours to be seen in mainstream theatre spaces like the Fringe?
It’s vital. Queer work is political by nature, and we are so excited to be joined by other amazing queer artists taking up space at the Fringe. Our show isn’t just for queers – it’s about power, identity, and exploitation. It belongs in the mainstream because it’s speaking to systems that affect everyone. Plus, if we’re gonna sell something, we might as well sell out a venue.
What advice would Sally and Susan give to young, ambitious entrepreneurs looking to thrive in today’s totally legitimate business landscape?
Don’t trust anyone who says “passive income.”
Manifest with caution.
And always carry a carabiner— you never know.
And finally, why should someone ditch their Fringe flyer, cancel their networking brunch, and come see your show instead?
What if, instead of wasting your Sunday on brunch with loved ones, you reinvested that £14.50 into a flawless economic ecosystem… with a suspiciously high emotional and financial body count? DYKE Systems Ltd. promises transformation and free pina coladas. Also: lip syncs, mad wigs, real spreadsheets. Come get recruited!