Interlochen Arts Academy Theatre Division to bring ‘Brave Irene’ to Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The production marks the Edinburgh Fringe debut of Joan Cushing’s enchanting musical adaptation of William Steig’s beloved children’s novel.
This August, the Interlochen Arts Academy Theatre Division will bring Brave Irene to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The Aug. 11-23 production at The Sanctuary at Paradise in Augustines marks the Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut of Joan Cushing’s musical adaptation of Shrek author William Steig’s beloved children’s book. A heartwarming tale of perseverance and courage, the musical follows a young girl as she embarks on an extraordinary journey through deep snow and treacherous winds to deliver a ballgown to a duchess.
Directed by Interlochen Director of Theatre William Church, this magical winter adventure features a dynamic ensemble of emerging theatre artists. The show stars 12 Interlochen Arts Academy students from across the United States, with rising senior Eva Donahey in the titular role of Irene. Academy students will also play key roles on the creative team as choreographer, voice captain, assistant director, and stage managers—fostering an intergenerational fusion that enriches this treasured story.
The upcoming Festival Fringe production continues the Arts Academy Theatre Division’s storied tradition of bringing exceptional theatre works to audiences across the nation and around the globe. Recent off-campus performances include a production of The Snow Queen at elementary schools in northern Michigan; the world premiere of the student-devised, Shakespeare-inspired show Muse at the Lincoln Center in New York City; and multidisciplinary performances in collaboration with the Academy’s other arts divisions at David Geffen Hall and National Sawdust in New York City and the New World Center in Miami, Florida. Academy students last appeared at the Festival Fringe in 2014 with a production of José Rivera’s Sonnets for an Old Century.
Established in 1947, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the largest celebrations of arts and culture in the world. For three weeks each August, the city of Edinburgh, Scotland comes alive with thousands of shows spanning every genre of live performance. Artists from around the globe bring works of theatre, comedy, dance, music, spoken word, and more to venues across the city—and the streets of Edinburgh. The festival is organized by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, an artist-created nonprofit that provides structure for the event while encouraging inclusivity, experimentation, and imagination.
Follow Brave Irene on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for updates, behind-the-scenes content, interviews, and more. Tickets are available at the Festival Fringe’s website.
Want to be part of future opportunities like this one? Learn more about the Arts Academy Theatre Division or start your application today.
