OPINION: Alex Reynolds – “I Was Immersing Myself in a World That Wasn’t My Own, But Rather His.”

Alex Reynolds is the writer and performer of In the Land of Eagles which premieres at Edinburgh Festival Fringe from July 30th – August 25th (not the 13th) at Baby Grand at Plesance Courtyard from 15:00 (70 mins).
Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.

My grandfather told me once, that he never felt at home in England. As a teenager, I never took a moment to consider what he meant by that. He was a quiet, somewhat stubborn man. I’d often dismiss him as difficult. My grandfather was Albanian and a survivor of one of the most oppressive communist regimes in recent history. For half a century, the level of cruelty and isolationism that Albania experienced under leader Enver Hoxha, mirrors the likes of North Korea today. After the regime claimed the lives of his family he escaped Albania on foot, making it to New York City many years later, a refugee. He spoke no English and had only twenty dollars to his name. I saw my grandfather weekly growing up. My greatest regret is that I discovered all of this, after his death. 

I wrote the play whilst travelling through Albania. Questions surrounding identity permeated my experiences on that journey. I was immersing myself in a world that wasn’t my own, but rather his. 

For my grandfather, his Albanian nationality was something sacred, he was patriotic. Being White British, I have a complicated relationship with that word, but for him it felt like an act of holding close the life and people he had lost. Understanding my grandfather’s culture and history, meant suddenly piecing together the parts of him I never really understood. His stubborn nature wasn’t him being difficult. It was him struggling.

Through writing this play, I also came to understand my own place within Albania’s historical legacy. I wrestled with this, especially against the backdrop of Albanians being thrown into the epicentre of immigration debates here in the UK. The press continue to display a torrent of condemnation, “they’re all criminals”. I see now that Albania is a country deeply misunderstood. Albanians made up the largest group of small boat arrivals on English shores in 2022. It may not be a war torn country but it’s a resilient one, steeped in tragic history that speaks to much of its poverty now. 

Despite being a solo-show, bringing the show to life has been a fully collaborative process. I consider myself very lucky to be working with such incredible people. All of whom are taking a chance on a debut playwright. I’m trying not to place expectations on the Edinburgh run, but I do hope it’s the start of something. I want to share the story with as many people as possible. 

In The Land of Eagles will be directed by the incredible Martha Geelan, who has worked as associate director with Patrick Marber (The Producers, 2024/25) and Sir Trevor Nunn (Identical, 2022). We are joined by “prolific” (Evening Standard) sound designer and composer Nicola T Chang (For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy), award-winning lighting designer Rachel Sampley (Barrier(s) at The National Theatre) and award nominated producer Natalie Allison. 

I hope my play serves as a reminder that cultural identities within families should be celebrated and shared. Don’t make the mistakes I did. It begins with just asking a question. Not just to learn about the lives of those that came before you, but to make sure they feel seen.

Alex Reynolds will premiere In the Land of Eagles at EdFringe 2025, 15:00 July 30th – August 25th (not the 13th) at Plesance Courtyard, Baby Grand.

Image Credit: Felicity McCabe