A freestanding two-headed lamp stands in the middle of the stage, and two men soon appear with bowler hats, black suits and white faces hidden in the dark. The lamp switches on, revealing the black eyeliner contrasting on their white faces, and the show begins.
The Creative Martyrs Jakob and Gustav delight the audience with their silly but all too real protest songs. Their first song of the night points out the modern way in which we sell our souls: Data sharing. The men take turns going around the room, writing down details about people and pretending (I hope) to have your private information like your address and phone number. They also take photos with members of the audience. A clever way of showing the impact of your digital footprint
This isn’t the last time the Martyrs use physical metaphors in their protest songs. Later, duo, who wear outfits inspired by the 1930s, explain the “Overton Window” (the spectrum of ideas on public policy and social issues considered acceptable at a period of time) by getting the audience up on their feet to line dance, to the left, to the right, to the right and then the right again, emphasises our political position currently on the window of discourse.
The Creative Martyrs beautifully get their points across through a bizarre combination of instruments: a “Manly Cello” and a ukulele. It’s a strange choice of instruments to band together; however, it works surprisingly well. Their innovative use of physical metaphors both entertained and enlightened the audience. The Creative Martyrs deliver a thought-provoking performance that weaves all types of humour and music together to address pressing societal issues.
The Creative Martyrs 21.05, PBH’s Free Fringe, Voodoo Rooms, until August 24
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-creative-martyrs
