When we fall off a bicycle or a horse, there are some who would say the most important thing is to get back on, not admit defeat. Whilst others would say, those who ignore history merely reinvent it. You have fallen off once, do you want to risk falling off again. ThisEgg’s “A Little Inquest Into What We Are All Doing Here”, the critically acclaimed show that premiered at the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe and won a Scotsman Fringe First Award, will headline Shoreditch Town Hall’s Spring Season.
The production, which explores the complex themes of censorship and freedom of expression, examines the delicate balance between artistic freedom and societal limitations, providing a thought-provoking reflection on how these forces influence both individual and collective voices. A blend of autobiography and fiction, the performance delves into the complex boundaries of art and the reasons behind creating, attending, and defending performances.
It examines what we’re willing to stand up for in the name of freedom of expression. By challenging societal norms and questioning the role of the artist, it also invites audiences to reflect on their own beliefs about the power of art in shaping public discourse. Lead artist, performer, and producer Josie Dale-Jones will return to the stage to present her powerful production to audiences in London. As she explained in an interview this is her & the company getting back on after a fall, not of their own making.
“I thought theatre was a place for difficult conversations, and it turned out that programming work that explores them had become too complex. In 2022 a show I was making was cancelled before it was seen. The experience of that, and the fall out from it, left me wondering what to make theatre about: censorship and freedom of expression. How self censorship works and how we modify what we want to say. A Little Inquest Into What We Are All Doing Here explores societal censure, and self-censure – I think the question of who censors who is really important right now.“
“I made this piece (together with a brilliant group of people) because I want to keep believing that we do have a place to sit in discomfort and nuance, and that we still have the energy to listen to people with views that might be different from our own. That’s what I hope the audience re-engages with. A Little Inquest is rooted in that experience. This show is – in some ways a development of the show we were making. It sits in its place. And so
it comes with the context of what happened.”
“The experience of the cancellation was really present in the room – the fear of it all happening again. In lots of ways, this show is a response to the idea of fear, and making work in the context of fear. Not an easy place to make from, but I think that’s the reality of what a lot of us makers, programmers and funders are trying to combat at the moment. Sometimes we need to feel the fear and do it anyway.“
“We use a personal experience to talk about a more universal theme. I think that the story of what happened is (at times) quite unbelievable. And having a real person tell it helps to make the link between what happens online and its effect on everyday life. In that way, the private becomes public. And – hopefully – we do that with some theatricality… The story grows out of something very real, into a more surreal place. When the personal gets boring, we get creative!!“
A Little Inquest Into What We Are All Doing Here was developed at Camden People’s Theatre, Streatham Space Project, Old Diorama Arts Centre, and New Diorama Theatre, with thanks to Shoreditch Town Hall for supporting the project. The show’s association with ZOO, and its critical acclaim—including winning the prestigious Scotsman Fringe First Award in 2024—only adds to its buzz. This production promises to be a powerful and memorable experience for all who attend.
Ellie Browning, Head of Cultural Programme, Shoreditch Town Hall comments, Following an incredibly successful Edinburgh Festival premiere, we’re proud to be presenting A Little Inquest Into What We Are All Doing Here in our Assembly Hall this Spring. We have admired ThisEgg’s work for a number of years, supporting them via our artist development offer and presenting their work. We are pleased to offer London audiences the chance to see this impeccably crafted show, which will headline our Spring season, alongside an innovative playable experience, joyful cabaret and some exciting opportunities aimed at artists – all to be announced soon. We look forward to seeing you there.
The success of a play like this, is not just in the applause, and maybe even standing ovations it gets at the end of each performance. Rather the discussion it provokes in the bars within the theatre and around. Art has always been that precocious child that says perhaps the right thing, but perhaps at a wrong or inconvenient moment from the day’s of the Court Jester who was perhaps the only person who could point out it was the King that was the fool!
Why don’t you go along and see for yourself, then join the chats in the bars after. “A Little Inquest Into What We Are All Doing Here” runs from Tuesday 11th March – Saturday 15th March 2025, 7pm; 2pm (Saturday matinee) At Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old Street, London. For tickets and further information please visit the venue website.
