Kafka for Beginners

Kafka for Beginners

Catharsis Theater CompanyProfessional company

60 minutesAlba Theatre
A poet languishes in solitary confinement for “heresy,” under relentless pressure to “recant”. Will he survive? Will he go mad? Will he stay true to his ideals of love and freedom beyond the power of tyrants and their bullies to suppress? A new dark comedy inspired by true stories of prisoners of conscience around the world.

About the show

Kafka for Beginners is a new dark comedy by Catharsis Theater Company performed at the Alba Theatre during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. A poet languishes in solitary confinement for 'heresy', under relentless pressure to 'recant'. The show asks whether he will survive, go mad, or stay true to his ideals of love and freedom beyond the power of tyrants and their bullies to suppress. Inspired by true stories of prisoners of conscience around the world. The show runs for 60 minutes and is suitable for audiences aged 14 and over.

Why see this show?

A dark comedy grounded in real suffering — Catharsis Theater Company takes the quietly terrifying logic of Kafka and roots it in actual stories of prisoners of conscience. Bleak but necessary, and all the more powerful for the comedy underneath.

Event Details

Friday 1 - Sunday 24 August 2025

All performances at 15:15

22 performances

60 minutes

1 performers

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025

Ticket Price

£16 (13)

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the show?

The show runs for 60 minutes.

Where is it performed?

The show is performed at the Alba Theatre.

What is the age guidance?

This show is suitable for audiences aged 14 and over.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets are £16. See the booking link on this page for current availability.

What type of show is this?

It is a new dark comedy theatre piece inspired by true stories of prisoners of conscience, following a poet held in solitary confinement under pressure to recant.

Are there any content warnings?

No content warnings are listed for this show.

About This Theatre Production

Kafka for Beginners is a theatre performance at Alba Theatre during Edinburgh Festival 2025. Running for 60 minutes, this show is part of the world's largest arts festival, bringing together performers and audiences from across the globe.

Experience compelling storytelling brought to life by talented performers. Theatre at Edinburgh ranges from intimate black box productions to grand stage spectacles.

Venue: Alba Theatre

Alba Theatre is one of Edinburgh's Festival venues, hosting a variety of performances throughout August. Located in the heart of the city, the venue is accessible by public transport and within walking distance of other Festival locations.

Tips for Attending

  • Check for trigger warnings if sensitive to certain topics
  • Most Fringe theatre runs without interval
  • Latecomers may not be admitted
  • Consider matinee performances for a relaxed experience

Booking Information

Ticket Prices: From £16

Age Guidance: 14+

Content Warnings: None

Book early to avoid disappointment. Popular shows sell out quickly during Edinburgh Festival.

Part of Edinburgh Festival 2025

Edinburgh Festival transforms Scotland's capital into the world's leading cultural destination every August. With thousands of performances across hundreds of venues, the festival offers unparalleled choice for culture lovers.Kafka for Beginners represents the theatrical innovation that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.

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Data provided courtesy of the Edinburgh Festivals Listings API