Adam Rapp’s Tony-nominated play The Sound Inside is set to make its UK premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer. The intense and moving two-hander, which explores the relationship between a Yale professor and her brilliant but troubled student, will run at the Traverse Theatre from July 28 to August 25. We caught up with the acclaimed playwright to discuss the play’s journey, its themes, and what audiences can expect.
“The play concerns a writing professor who teaches at Yale and a student who she takes a particular interest in,” Rapp explains. “What starts out like an office hours kind of inquiry turns into a quick friendship that has some weird turns, and becomes quite an intimate friendship, and a creative friendship.”
The Sound Inside delves into themes of loneliness, connection, and the power of words. Rapp reflects on the play’s core: “In some ways, the play is like a meditation on loneliness. And it’s about how two writers connect, despite being very different ages. She’s in her 50s. He’s 19 or 20.”
The playwright is particularly excited about the UK premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe. “It’s so cool,” Rapp enthuses. “I had such an amazing experience there the last time I brought a project. I love going there.
Rapp’s connection to Edinburgh runs deeper than just professional experiences. “My mother’s father is actually from Edinburgh,” he reveals. “Her maiden name is Baird. So I had this stupid romanticised idea about going there again, and the name of the woman in the play, I use my mom’s maiden name Baird.”
When asked about what sets The Sound Inside apart from the thousands of other shows at the Fringe, Rapp is quick to highlight its pedigree. “Being a UK premiere of a Tony Award-winning play is a bit of a coup for the Fringe. It’s not been seen this side of the Atlantic, so it feels like one not to miss.”
The playwright hopes audiences will take away more than just the surface-level story. Rapp says. “I love a night at the theatre which leaves you talking, debating, speculating with pals over a beer and it sure as hell does that.”
As our conversation draws to a close, Rapp offers a succinct pitch for potential Fringe-goers: “This is really cool story about a writing professor and her student. And she asks him to help her die. I would just kind of cut right to the quick. You’ll never forget it.”
The Sound Inside promises to be a thought-provoking and unforgettable experience at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. With its exploration of human connection, the power of storytelling, and the unexpected twists of life, it’s sure to leave audiences haunted and spellbound long after the final curtain.
