Burn Baby Burn: LA Inferno, Etcetera Theatre
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Erin Hunter‘s Burn Baby Burn: LA Inferno brings the recent L.A. fires to Camden, having some direct expereinces as her parent’s home was one of the many destroyed. But it’s not a doom and gloom show, instead it’s filled with a sharp-witted mix of storytelling, satire, and songs as it explores both climate change and the humans fanning the flames.
The show is being produced by Slackline Productions, champions of women 35+.
Ahead of playing at Etcetera Theatre on 6, 9 and 10 August (tickets here) we caught up with Erin, along with Slackline’s Kristin Duffy, who will also be directing the show, to find out more
What can audiences expect from the show?
Audiences can expect a dark, funny, dynamic, heartfelt and pretty raw solo show about January’s catastrophic LA wildfires from the POV of a native Angeleno whose parents tragically lost their home. Expect vibrant, eclectic storytelling, a cornucopia of comedy characters (skinfluencers, celebrities, firefighters, politicians) and a healthy helping of quirky comedy ukulele songs (including a parody of Disco Inferno). Get out your shovel and dig down into the ashes with Erin as she explores the cost of climate change and just how the hell — like a phoenix — LA will rise again!
Is Camden Fringe going to be the show’s first time on stage, or have you already performed elsewhere?
Yes indeed Burn Baby Burn: LA Inferno will premiere at Camden Fringe. I (Erin) am currently surrounded by post-its and reams of paper deep into the writing process and excited/terrified to get it on its feet in two months time! My first solo show had a run at Camden Fringe which was such a great experience and launch pad for the show. I’m also a Camden local so have a real fondness for Camden Fringe!
What was your inspiration behind the show?
My (Erin’s) parents lost their home and a lifetime of possessions in the Palisades fire in January and my heart broke into a million pieces for them and the city of Los Angeles. I felt magnetically compelled to share their story with the world. It really is a cautionary tale about climate change. And like most rational people, I’ve channelled my anxiety, guilt and existential dread into theatre!
How long have you been working on the play?
Since mid-January when I started compulsively writing down my experiences and news of the fires as the tragedy unfolded. Spring was a research phase and in April I visited Los Angeles and was allowed up to the burn site in the Palisades which has really informed the process.
What is it about your character that you most enjoy?
I love the opportunity to inhabit multiple, diverse characters – to find their quirks, their mannerisms and physical ticks and to really have the opportunity to be playful and silly. There may even be a Donald Trump cameo! (Even though we know that’s yucky)
How challenging has this role been for you?
This is a deeply personal story of a very vulnerable nature, based on my and my parents’ lived experiences. I have to be really sensitive about how these characters are manifested on stage and what I’m sharing. I also find it tricky playing a version of myself on stage – requiring lots of self deprecation and a degree of self awareness that sometimes is beyond my reach!
What brought you all together?
We (Kristin & Erin) worked together on Erin’s first solo show, with Kristin producing for Edinburgh and Brighton Fringe through her company, Slackline Productions. Before that, Erin acted in a couple of short play nights for Slackline, cementing herself as a Slackline regular! Kristin is doing more directing these days, so is psyched to work on that side of Burn Baby Burn!
Are there any plans for what comes next after the show has finished its run – for you or the show?
Not yet… YET!
If you could perform this show anywhere in the world where would it be?
I (Kristin) would love to see it on at Erin’s mom’s theatre in LA, but after the fires, that won’t be happening for some time 😕
If budget or reality was not an issue, what’s the one piece of scenery/set you’d love to have in your show?
Pyrotechnics baby! I’d love scenes with a live flame (I’m sure the theatre would love that too). That and a mountain of rubble and a smoke machine. A girl can dream!
It would also be great to have a bigger crew working on lighting and sound design (and getting paid) We’re working on it!
What words of advice/encouragement would you give anyone thinking about doing Camden Fringe next year?
Instead of sitting around waiting for your agent to ring, be proactive: make the work, create opportunities, unleash your creativity, tell the stories you’re passionate about. Not only does it make this rollercoaster of a career more exciting but it will generate future opportunities! Build it and they will come! 🔥🔥🔥
From Kristin: PLEASE COME!
Many thanks to Erin and Kirstin for taking the time to talk. Burn Baby Burn: LA Inferno plays at Etcetera Theatre on 6, 9 and 10 August.
