Shay Mace
Brother and sister Kayah Guenther and Maitreyah Guenther arrive at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe next week with their autobiographical show Glass Child, exploring love of two siblings, and highlighting their connection, alongside how their lives have been affected by other people’s perceptions. We caught up with the duo for a pixelated pint to find out more about what a ‘glass child’ is, and what audiences can expect from the show.
You can catch Glass Child at Summerhall – Old Lab on August 6th – 16th from 13:30 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Shay: Hi both, tell us about the concept of the glass child and why you have decided to bring this to the stage now?
Maitreyi & Kayah: Glass Child is an auto-biographic work, it is about our lives and journeys, what we have faced in society. The Term ‘Glass child’ is used to describe the sibling of someone with a disability, it describes how in ways the needs of their sibling is higher so there needs are looked through…but this show in a way turns this word upside down, you discover that I help Kayah to be seen, and he does the same for me. I think this work is important because in this ever changing world, we continue to look for difference and ways to remove it, when instead we would all realise what we have in common. We are all human…
Shay: How has the creative process been of putting the show together? Give us an idea of the journey you’ve been on with it so far.
Maitreyah & Kayah: We performed at the world down syndrome conference in Glasgow 2018, and it did not go the way we planned. We came back in a way disappointed, inspired to make a show, approaching Gavin Webber and Kate Harman with the idea, we got a small amount of funding to begin a development. And slowly more from there, we were grateful to have already built such a strong connection with The Farm.
Shay: What will be the first thing the audience sees, feels, and hears as they enter the space?
Maitreyah & Kayah: It begins with a Ted Talk atmosphere, and people will probably feel awkward and confronted… and from there it goes through many emotions…people often describe it as a roller coaster of a journey.
Shay: What are you hoping the audience might take away from the experience, if anything?
Maitreyah & Kayah: I would hope that people take away a moment of reflecting on their own humanity, realising the power of kindness goes a long way, that nothing goes unnoticed. That is of vital importance to teach children and teenagers disability awareness, so they can carry that out into the world.
Shay: What journey has the show been on to find itself at EdFringe 2026?
Maitreyah & Kayah: We are incredibly grateful to House of Aus for sponsoring us to come, as we would not be here otherwise. We have been rehearsing and listening to a lot of Michael Jackson, and are so excited to finally perform this show internationally.
Shay: With EdFringe now just around the corner, what are you most excited for?
Maitreyah & Kayah: Sharing our show, being in the Atmosphere, excited to see the work of other amazing artists. And very excited to be in the magical city Edinburgh. Art is such a powerful thing and we are so honoured we get to come and be here and share our story.
Shay: Given the themes of Binge Fringe, if your show was a beverage of any kind (alcoholic, non-alcoholic – be as creative as you like!), what would it be and why?
Maitreyah & Kayah: Somewhere between a cocktail of many different emotions that leaves you feeling shaken but ultimately feeling good… 🙂
A reminder, you can catch Glass Child at Summerhall – Old Lab on August 6th – 16th from 13:30 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Image Credit: Kate Holmes
Nicole Gulasekharam
