Free Crisps is how a tarot card reading, sauerkraut and a degree in contemporary dance revealed the true beauty of the salt and vinegar hula hoop. If you’re hungry and looking for a snack, Katy Higgins new show might satisfy your appetite. Higgins talks with Fringe Review’s Dr.Pants about what it is about crisps that make for such great theatre. You can catch the show on October 31st at 5:30 during Colchester Fringe.
NAP: Hello Katy! Pleasure to talk to you today about the magic of potato crisps. Tell us: what is your show about?
KH: It’s a contemporary dance and spoken word piece about how much I love salt and vinegar hula hoops and how they were the catalyst in breaking down the harmful ideology I had squirreled away in the recesses of my overloaded brain.
It’s no big surprise that humans have created a very complicated relationship with food. Add to that training as a professional dancer in the early 2010s and you’ve got yourself a lovely little combination of being INCREDIBLY HUNGRY but not allowing yourself to eat bread? It does not add up to an enjoyable experience.
This solo explores the experiences leading up to this revelation through dancing, a bit of chatting and even games – with prizes (bet you can’t guess what they are?). It’s silly and serious as it wanders through the peculiar way we have made a vital part of our lives – food – so so complicated.
NAP: Why did you not allow yourself to eat bread?
KH: When I was training we were repeatedly told that if our bodies were “too big” we wouldn’t be perceived as serious dancers, in my first week of training I was specifically told my stomach was the wrong shape so I decided if I didn’t eat bread I would achieve the “perfect” stomach. But that is WRONG. So So wrong.
NAP: Now what does Sauerkraut have to do with any of this? I thought this show is about crisps.
KH: Without sauerkraut I wouldn’t be making this piece! The ethos of the whole workshop was about allowing ideas to ferment and ruminate, so I’ve really taken that into the creation of this piece as well. And who knows…sauerkraut may also make an appearance at FREE CRISPS.
NAP: What makes it unique to other shows at the fringe? Is there actually crisps at the show?
KH: SNACKS! There will be crisps and who doesn’t love crisps?
NAP: Why did you decide to bring your love of crisps to Colchester Fringe?
KH: I love coming back to perform at Colchester Fringe – it’s my third time performing at the Fringe. As someone who grew up here I love having the opportunity to perform in the beautiful Colchester venues that I would go to as a child to watch shows, it’s so special.
NAP: Have you had any challenges in bringing your dance solo performance and love for crisps on the stage?
KH: So far I’ve not felt any challenges (other than having no money and being a poor artist – but I think we’re all used to that!). I’m really trying to go with my gut on this and not worry so much about how other people will perceive the show. I, of course, want the audience to enjoy it but I want to make sure it’s authentically representing me and my crispy journey!
NAP: What are you hopeful audiences will leave your show feeling or doing? Are you trying to convert us to liking crisps?
KH: I want the audience to leave thinking about what their ‘crisps’ is. What’s that item of food that makes you happy and can snap you out of a weird food mood. We’ve made food so complicated, when it should be something we enjoy and use to nourish our bodies AND minds.
NAP: Why do you love Salt and Vinegar Hula Hoops, specifically the big hoops?
KH: Because they’re DELICIOUS! AND you can still wear them on your fingers like fancy rings – even if you have giant hands like me.
Free Crisps is on October 31st at 5:30 during Colchester Fringe. While you’re here, let us at FringeReview satisfy your Colchester Fringe appetite. Read and taste our coverage of tasty giraffes, horny animals, SHEEP!, and then cook it all in a dark room with Dr.Pants.
