EDINBURGH FRINGE: Manifest Destiny’s Child

It takes all sorts to make an Edinburgh Fringe, and one of the most unexpected shows this year must be this one, written and performed by a former teacher who found himself at the heart of the American presidential campaign in 2016.

Dennis Trainor Jnr is now a performer, playwright, filmmaker and activist who has been involved in left-leaning protest movements such as Occupy Wall Street, but as communications director for Green Party presidential candidate Dr Jill Stein, his story is unique.

Now, I have an unhealthy disinterest in politics, but at the mention of Donald Trump I got myself a ticket – just to see what Trainor’s personal experiences of him were. ‘Donzilla’ is hardly mentioned, however, but what I did find was a fascinating, behind-the-scenes account of the time the United States lost its way and ended up in Trumplandia.

The narrative could easily have been as dry as dust but, under the direction of Broadway heavyweight David Esbjornson, Trainor puts fire in the belly of politics and makes this a compelling, entertaining hour or so which, for me, may have sparked an interest in politics!

Image: Brian Wilson

Manifest Destiny’s Child is at Assembly Rooms (Drawing Room) until Aug 27 (1 h 10 mins), Tickets: assemblyfestival.com