By Katerina Partolina Schwartz
|
16th Aug 2022
|
★★★

Chronic Insanity’s 52 Souls is a series of monologues that correspond to each indiviudal playing card (plus one Joker) along the subject of death and mortality, all in an hour. This is certainly an ambitious concept, but the fact that the show is randomly generated means we don’t necessarily hear ever monologue and that the door is open to come back again and again.

Worth watching if only for the possibility to mediate and contemplate more on mortality and death in a safe space

Using different mediums, we are told snippets of stories from different perspectives. At times the connections to death are clear, sometimes it’s more subtle but this shows the extent that death and the concept of mortality touch everyday life. The monologues are incredibly varied and take a different approach that is unexpected in that they don’t necessarily create a sad or depressing atmosphere that we would usually associate with the subjects at hand.

This show is interesting and provides some food for philosophical thought. Worth watching if only for the possibility to mediate and contemplate more on mortality and death in a safe space.

Visit Show Website

Reviews by Katerina Partolina Schwartz

Pleasance Courtyard

Tit Swingers

★★★

Pleasance Courtyard

Gwyneth Goes Skiing

★★★★★

Underbelly, Cowgate

Alex Franklin: Gurl Code

★★★★

Monkey Barrel Comedy

Milo Edwards: How Revolting! Sorry to Offend

★★★★

Monkey Barrel Comedy (The Tron)

Micky Overman: Hold On

★★★★

Greenside @ George Street

Technically: A Musical

★★★★

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Show me the charities

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

Performances

Location

The Blurb

Humanity has both a morbid curiosity and an instinctual repulsion when it comes to death. Over the next 50 minutes we'll find out which is stronger. Although it's something we'll all go through, death is one of the least understood parts of the human experience, so Chronic Insanity is diving into the deep end. 52 Souls is an open and fun examination of death and our reactions to this terrifying inevitability. Using a pack of cards, the audience randomly generates a performance to understand humanity's obsession with – and ignorance about – death.