EDINBURGH 2016: BWW Q&A - The Rules of Inflation

We talk to Balloons Theatre about 2016 Edinburgh Fringe show The Rules of Inflation.

What can you tell us about The Rules of Inflation?

Our piece is an abstract performance focussing on a Clown and his relationship with four colours: Blue, Green, Yellow and Pink. The setting is a children's party (with plenty of balloons) where the characters play party games together. However, this is a party that isn't as innocent as it may at first seem. This is not your average kids' party. Yes, there is dancing, colour, party poppers, pass the parcel and musical chairs, but there is also sex, politics, dictatorship and confinement. There is a dark undertone in The Rules Of Inflation, as it soon becomes apparent how much control the Clown has over each of the Colours. And like most good parties, the soundtrack dictates as much of the action as the games they are playing. It is a feast for all the senses! (Did I mention we also have cake?)

How did the piece come about?

Our original impetus for making The Rules of Inflation came from finding a popped balloon on the street in Hoxton. From this one sad-looking deflated balloon we worked together to create a story, and The Rules of Inflation was born. There are five of us in this collective, and we each brought different influences and ideas to the piece. One of the main devices we used to create our piece was by using Robert Lapage's scoring system. Lapage believes that every singe object can push you to create a story. We played many games with balloons, and then games in general, which then led us to explore the many possible stories and themes behind balloons. The setting of a children's party with a twist was an organic result of this exploration.

How does it make audiences feel uncomfortable?

The unpredictability of the piece. We use a huge number of balloons in our show, which can serve as a metaphor for The Rules of Inflation. From the outset a balloon is a fun, colourful and childlike object - but there is also a sense of danger and risk to a balloon that it may pop at any moment. The dark and the light aspects run side by side in The Rules of Inflation, challenging any preconceptions an audience member may have had before they came in and sat down. Our show is very visceral and there are certain moments which are very hard to digest.

Why is it important for people to see The Rules of Inflation?

The Rules of Inflation pushes boundaries, challenges the audience and hopefully makes people think about their own beliefs.

We've been blown away by the response we've had from audiences so far. After coming to see The Rules of Inflation they have left the theatre with so many questions. After each performance there is an electricity and hush in the air, which feels very dangerous and live, and unlike anything I have ever experienced before. The feedback has been so encouraging and we have opened up a conversation with The Rules of Inflation, and that's what feels so exciting about it.

What's next for the show after the Fringe?

We hope to bring it to a wider audience and would love to embark on a regional tour of the show.

Timings and ticket information for The Rules Of Inflation are available on the edfringe website.