An Intimate Look Into a Performers Journey through Amnesia and The Edinburgh Fringe
This show was an entirely unique experience, not only because of Lampaert’s experiences, but because on this day, he decided to completely throw out the pre-planned show and create a more intimate Q&A style talk about his experiences. Rating this show, which may be the style it takes for the remainder of its run, feels almost arbitrary. It doesn’t particularly matter, as this show will never look like this again.
Lampaert works well in his new role. He has an intensity that is superbly watchable and, in the moments he showcases it, has a wonderful ability for physicality. He embodies some different characters in speaking about the show he was meant to perform, doing so with a deft talent. It is the way he talks about his experiences that really endear him to an audience. He has substantial trauma and talks through it in depth, literally with brand new eyes.
His story follows his experience with Amnesia. A few years ago, he experienced total Amnesia, and saw things as new, not knowing anything of Eric from before. He constantly states that Eric is dead and he is something brand new. It is fascinating as someone with no understanding of this, and showcases things that we cannot dare to understand. We leave feeling informed, confused, and with bouts of existential dread that follow us long into the night.
This version of Lampaert’s show is brand new, and is still figuring out what it should be. What is entirely admirable is that it is raw, and abandoning a show half way through a run to do something different is a gutsy decision that may well pay off. It could’ve continued for hours and would still be a thrilling watch. The very gambit that Lampaert has taken almost acts as an allegory for his Amnesia itself. We see someone who is tackling this with brand new eyes, looking back on a past that he no longer feels connected to. And this guise itself is interesting, as we still question whether the changing of the show is really real.
This is different, truly, and something that should be seen. Who knows where this show will go, and what will happen as the Fringe continues. It may revert back to the initial production, although I hope Lampaert continues his trajectory to something new, bold and quite beautiful.
Show Listing: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/eric-lampaert-zero-minus-one
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: Just The Wee One at Just The Tonic at The Caves
Dates: 6th – 30th August (Not 18th)
Time: 20.10
Ticket prices: £10.00 / concessions £8.00
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com
Suitable for 18+ (Guideline)