A Giant On The Bridge doesn’t give much away from its description, so I was ready to be surprised. In truth, this show is more complex than it might appear. The piece explores the homecoming of those who have been in the criminal justice system or are in the process of leaving it. In fact, most of the five performers have also experienced this. Through music, spoken word, poetry and storytelling, they paint a picture of that journey.
There is hope in art.
As you enter the venue at Assembly Roxy, the stage is crowded with carpets, plants, and cosy chairs. The band stands in a semicircle as they begin to tell their story. Several voices are at work simultaneously: the underlying fairy tale about an imprisoned giant who has lost his heart, from which the show gets its name, and a very real story about D, who is being released from prison and coming home. On the other side, his sister and daughter await. The performance also features fantastic and moving songs that capture the emotions of the characters as the stories progress.
What’s so moving about A Giant on the Bridge is how it highlights the impact that the criminal justice system has not only on those who experience it but also on their friends, family, and the surrounding community. It acknowledges the real effects and stigma of labels imposed on individuals. At the same time, there is hope in art. Through music, poetry, and storytelling, A Giant on the Bridge provides a voice to those who have navigated or are navigating this journey, while also offering the audience a profound education on a very real issue.
A Giant on the Bridge is a collaboration involving various organisations, including Vox Liminis, an arts and communication charity working within the criminal justice system, as well as The University of the West of Scotland, the University of Glasgow, and the University of Edinburgh, among others. The project features songs and material created during workshops with individuals from the criminal justice system. Additionally, the performance is captioned, ensuring accessibility for deaf, deafened, or hard-of-hearing audience members.
As we exited the venue, some people seated in front of me asked if the song was available on Spotify. To be honest, I don’t know, but it certainly should be. A Giant on the Bridge is unlike any other Fringe show this year and is well worth seeing if only to foster a deeper understanding of each other.
