EDINBURGH 2023: Avital Ash Q&A

BWW catches up with Avital Ash to chat about bringing Avital Ash Workshops Her Suicide Note to the 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Tell us a bit about Avital Ash Workshops Her Suicide Note.

'Avital Ash Workshops Her Suicide Note' is a look at depression, shame, assault, and similarly hilarious topics! (I swear it's funny!)

My biological mom committed suicide when I was an infant, which I know sounds sad, but I was a really bad baby.

Since I can remember, I've felt a pull to the other side. But I don't wanna be called a copycat, plus who wants to turn into their mother? 

The show is chock-full of jokes and also deals with my upbringing as a Hasidic Jew, generational Holocaust trauma, and queerness. It's silly, dark, and poignant. It’ll make you laugh and maybe even cry. 

Why did you want to tell this story? 

When my depression is running rampant, art’s the only thing I know that can be close to a reprieve. 

Something to reflect my experience back to me, to make me laugh and/or cry, is so valuable in those moments. 

The show is super relatable to anyone who's experienced pain in this brutal/beautiful/surprising/dumb life, and I think when you’re really hurting, art ceases to be a luxury and becomes a lifeline.

On one level, I just want to make people laugh and feel. 

On another, I’m combating my own shame around talking about my experiences. I’m asserting that taking suffering and turning it into art isn’t “airing dirty laundry”… 

It’s alchemy. 

It must be quite intense to be performing this, how are you planning on taking care of yourself during the run?

That’s a great question and something I'm not very good at! 

I’ve been seeing an OCD-specialist, but with the time difference overseas that’ll be tough. 

To be quite honest… I JUST got back on antidepressants and I think that was necessary. I hope it helps. 

Outside of that? I’ll see as many shows as possible. Art is healing! I’ll get a good massage or two. Eat my feelings in the form of sweets and killer Indian food. Lots of walking. And baths! 

Who would you like to come and see it?

Anyone! Everyone! PLEASE COME! I BEG YOU!

My dream audience? 

Other people that love dark humor. 

Other people that are grappling with depression, religious oppression, assault, sexuality, or a legacy they didn’t ask for. 

I believe this show resonates with all types, but I know it can hit especially hard for those who’ve endured similar experiences.

Wait, did I say “Everyone” yet? 

No?

Everyone. 

EVERYONE. 

What would you like audiences to take away from it?

Nothing is promised in this life, but our shame, pain, and sorrow can be the soil for richness and beauty. That idea’s in there, between layers of jokes, discomfort, and loads more jokes. 

I hope there’s something life-affirming to take away, for the audience’s sake, and mine. 

Oh, and also… I hope the audience leaves thinking that I’m cool. The embodiment of the sunglasses emoji. The female Brad Pitt, if you will.

Avital Ash’s debut stand-up show ‘Avital Ash Workshops Her Suicide Note’ is at the Monkey Barrel: The Tron at 10.05pm from 1st – 27th August (not 14th) for tickets go to www.edfringe.com

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