REVIEW: Ways of Knowing, Emergency Chorus, EdFringe 2025 ★★★

A play in two halves, Ways of Knowing is a bit of a mixed bag that is performed with remarkable synchronicity and detail by duo Emergency Chorus. Utilising physical theatre, soundscape, and limited text, this production challenges the audience to consider how much they know, and how they know it.

The first half act of this piece, All the Barometers in the World, raised ideas of uncertainty, the obsessive desire for knowledge, and the ignorance of human efforts to create order in nature. This section became repetitive and confusing, and would have benefitted from some tightening.

The Spelunkers, the second act of this piece, was much stronger, beginning with an exploration of the space as two cave-divers in a cave system. They encounter a prophesying hermit, who is then removed from the cave to be interviewed for a tech-bro conference, raising questions about our disconnection from our environment and the inexorable progression of capitalism. 

There were moments where the movement was very effective and affecting, and others where they continued with a sequence once the image had already been well established, and did not build up to anything of more significance. Overall, the performance had real peaks and troughs of quality, which made it feel unbalanced, and interrupted the spell that they were weaving.

The production design was wholly incredible, with stalactites and stalagmites dripping real water throughout the second section, lit by head-torches and atmospheric floor lights. Ben Kulvichit’s lighting design is impressive, adding atmosphere and flair which textures the performance. This atmosphere was bolstered by Nat Norland’s sound design, which by turns cut through and subsumed the space.

Thought-provoking, challenging, and artistic, Ways of Knowing is a deeply considered and intricate exercise in ensemble work.

Drink recommendation: A shot of espresso, to keep you laser-focused.

You can catch Ways of Knowing at Big Belly at Underbelly, Cowgate from 31st July to 24th August at 15:30 (70 mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.