Kafka for Beginners
Theatre
Drama
International

Kafka for Beginners

Edinburgh Little Theatre • Professional company

Google Edinburgh Little Theatre
60 minutes•Dunedin Theatre
In an imaginary, yet all-too-recognisable empire, a poet languishes in solitary confinement for the “heresy” of confiding to his own diary the perilously obvious: 2+2=4. Will he “recant” to save his life? Will he let himself be bribed just to survive? Will he go mad? Will he stay true to his ideals of love, freedom beyond the power of tyrants and their bullying to suppress? How can he stay hopeful when it seems all hope is lost? A dark comedy inspired by true stories of prisoners of conscience around the world.

About the show

Edinburgh Little Theatre presents Kafka for Beginners at the Dunedin Theatre, a dark comedy inspired by true stories of prisoners of conscience around the world. Set in an imaginary but all-too-recognisable empire, a poet is held in solitary confinement for the heresy of writing in his own diary that two plus two equals four. The play asks whether he will recant, be bribed, go mad, or hold true to his ideals of love and freedom. The show runs for 60 minutes and is suitable for ages 8 and over. Tickets are £16.

Why see this show?

A dark comedy that asks big questions through one man's confinement — love, freedom, integrity under pressure. Grounded in real stories of conscience, it is thought-provoking theatre that is also genuinely funny.

Tickets

£16 (14)

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When

Friday 7 - Sunday 30 August 2026

All performances at 15:30

24 performances

Duration

60 mins

Cast

4 performers

Festival

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

Venue
Dunedin Theatre

19 Hill St

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Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the show run?

The show runs for 60 minutes.

Where is it performed?

The show is at the Dunedin Theatre as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

What is the age guidance?

The show is suitable for audiences aged 8 and over.

How much are tickets?

Tickets are £16 (concession £14).

What kind of show is this?

It is a dark comedy drama inspired by true stories of prisoners of conscience.

About This Theatre Production

Kafka for Beginners is a theatre performance at Dunedin Theatre during Edinburgh Festival 2026. 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: Dunedin Theatre

Dunedin 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: 8+

Content Warnings: None

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

Part of Edinburgh Festival 2026

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