Kurt Man: Buyer and Seller of Souls

Ritchie Community League (7727 – 98 street) August 15 – 24 (every day)

---

An interview with Brendan Thompson.

Describe your show in five words.

Kurt’s tragically comedic, multimedia disconnection.

Okay, now that we’re intrigued… what’s the longer description?

Kurt Man bought and sold souls to make a fortune. Unfortunately he also sold his own soul. When one of his former employees and former lover reveal what a terrible person he’s been his whole life, his family and life begin to fall apart. Kurt embarks on a quest to save his soul and make some sort of human connection before it’s too late. Kurt is the only live actor and the other fourteen characters appear on a video screen.

This story seems to be along the lines of “the American dream gone wrong.” What inspired you to write this show?

I wanted to write a show about human connection, especially in the digital age. I think the pursuit of a perfect life or the “American Dream” can make money too great a focus and we lose our connections with people. That really sucks because, well, to steal one from the Beatles, money can’t buy me love.

“A buyer and seller of souls” is such a great hook – how did you decide that would be the central character’s job?

I just tried to think of the worst thing someone could do to make money and that was it.

Anything else you want audiences to know about the show?

The show has something for everyone. It has raunchy humour, smart humour, puns, and I also hope that it challenges audiences and makes them think, even just a little.

Bonus question: Any names you want to drop who have been involved in your show (Edmonton arts people or otherwise)?

I could thank about a bajillion people for their work on the show, but thanks especially to Ellen Chorley for playing Kurt’s wife and helping me find an actor or two and thanks to Clinton Carew for his sound sound advice. Advice on sound?

The 33rd Edmonton International Fringe is August 14 – 24. Get your tickets at tickets.fringetheatre.ca.