I needed 10 minutes to calm down after feeling uncomfortably exhausted by this show (I enjoyed it, believe it or not). Zoe Wohlfeld is completely unhinged in this performance, inviting the audience to her dog’s funeral while arriving in a Victorian mourning gown paired with the ego of an entitled, psychotic three-year-old girl. The show starts with a slideshow of different activities she would do with her dog before its fateful passing, which she would later quiz you on by aiming in your face a water gun.
Zoe relies on the energy and heckling from the audience to keep the narrative flowing. For example, Ian, an audience member, has to comfort her as she weeps on the floor, crying that her dog has died. She makes the audience members moan and weep for her dog (including me); otherwise, she will throw a tantrum and leave the show, only returning when everyone shouts for her to come back.
Sitting in the front row, this was the most emotionally taxing show I have ever seen, although I would recommend it to any Fringe-goer wanting the full experience of what the festival has to offer. The nerves you feel as Wohlfeld stares deep into your soul, walking towards you like the Joker, are something you need to experience in real life.
Zoe Wohlfeld: Dog Funeral, 17:25 at Jelly Belly at Underbelly, Cowgate at 5:25 pm from August 5-16th – 18-30th
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/zoe-wohlfeld-dog-funeral
