FORIEGNER arrives at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with a bold and provocative exploration of identity, immigration and performance from Iranian-born artist Sohrab Haghverdi. Presented at Summerhall, this solo show blends clowning, autobiography and political commentary into an unsettling and unforgettable theatrical experience.
As an asylum seeker and performer in the United States, Haghverdi navigates the tension between self-expression and societal expectation. FORIEGNER examines this duality through an “anti-identity clown show” that both interrogates and dismantles the labels imposed upon him.
Set against a backdrop of political instability and shifting immigration policies, the performance explores the stakes of belonging and acceptance. The narrative playfully yet poignantly suggests two possible outcomes: artistic success leading to recognition and visa approval, or failure resulting in rejection and deportation.
The production embraces contradiction, moving fluidly between humour and discomfort, explanation and refusal. Through its raw and often outrageous approach, FORIEGNER challenges audiences to consider how identity is constructed, perceived and commodified.
Created in collaboration with Benjamin Rosenthal and Mason Rosenthal, the show has already received notable recognition, including the Al-Bustan Award for SWANA Artists and a nomination for the Pew Fellowship in the Arts. It promises a daring and thought-provoking addition to this year’s Fringe programme.
FORIEGNER runs at Summerhall from 06 – 31 August at 21:00. Tickets are on sale here
