list.co.uk/festival Janis Joplin: Full Tilt | FESTIVAL THEATRE

‘I think all great artists know that the universe is not on their side’

5 SHOWS: AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL THEATRE

From intimate confessions to dramatic lives filled with international adventures, autobiographical theatre rescues the artform from the parade of adaptations and Shakespeare reinterpretations JAMAICA FAREWELL Debra Ehrhardt escaped Jamaica for America, using the romantic aspirations of a CIA agent: a witty thriller from an experienced storyteller and directed by Joel Zwick who happened to direct the highest grossing romantic comedy ever, My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, 2–25 Aug, 4.15pm, £8.50–£11 (£7–£10). Previews 30 Jul–1 Aug, £6.

FRAGILE Geoff Thompson’s semi- autobiographical drama is a challenging look at abuse, reconciliation and redemption, which caused both controversy and acclaim when first performed: not suggested for delicate sensibilities. ZOO, 662 6892, 3–25 Aug, 9pm, £9.50 (£8.50). Previews 1 & 2 Aug, £8.50.

DANISH FACE When Anna Andresen decided to move to America, she encountered a Hungarian pervert, a chain- smoking mother and, being Danish, she hunted for trolls. Comic storytelling with a live art twist. Just the Tonic at The Mash House, 226 0000, 31 Jul–24 Aug (not 12), 10.20pm, free.

LOVE. GUTS. HIGH SCHOOL. Jeanette Bonner performs her script that ponders what made her the women she is today, via heartbreak, diary entries and messy teenage relationships. Sweet Grassmarket, 243 3596, 4–24 Aug (not 11,18), 4pm, £9 (£8). Previews 31 Jul–3 Aug, £6 (£5). SISTER Amy and Rosana Cade (pictured) explore their sibling relationship and respective feminisms in a rare example of a two-handed piece based on their lives as children and very different adults. Amy is a sex worker, while Rosana is a shaven- headed lesbian. Contains nudity and serious conversations about freedom of choice and sexuality. Summerhall, 0845 874 3001, 2–24 Aug (not 5, 12, 19), 8.15pm, £13 (£11). Preview 1 Aug, £10.

(Gareth K Vile)

31 Jul–7 Aug 2014 THE LIST FESTIVAL 67