Summerhall (Venue 26): Thur 31 July – Mon 25 Aug 2025
Review by Erin Frances Speirs
Edinburgh-based performance maker Mamoru Iriguchi’s PAINKILLERS is a meticulously crafted, charmingly funny experimental piece that explores physical and emotional pain through magic tricks and memories of love.
Iriguchi’s curious, clever, and silly signature style comes out in full force in this brilliant solo show which is playing at Summerhall for the entirety of the Fringe. This is a re-staging of the original work, created and originally staged in 2014.
Mamoru Iriguchi in PAINKILLERS. Pic: Jemima Yong.
PAINKILLERS begins with a magic trick. Anastasia, a magician’s assistant, is about to catch a bullet in her mouth. We follow Anastasia, whose actual name is Mari, as she goes through a multitude of physical damage for the sake of Alessandro, whose name is actually Mamoru – her lover and creative partner—and his magic act.
The defining aspect of PAINKILLERS is that Iriguchi performs as Anastasia in a large, knitted body placed atop their own, creating the shape of a voluptuous woman. This knitted drag is the centrepiece of the production. The skilfully crafted, knitted body worn by Iriguchi represents a multitude of things: the layers of protection women are forced to build up; what men take from women; and how women’s bodies tell stories–the most obvious theme throughout.
Anastasia tells the audience her story: one of love; one of pain; one of betrayal. She is at the mercy of knives, guns and saws, which begin to take a toll on her body of yarn. As the story is told and retold, details change, making us question what we believe. As Anastasia’s body breaks down – and the identities of Anastasia, Alessandro, Mari, and Mamoru begin to blur – PAINKILLERS playfully analyses gender expectation, performance, and trappings.
Mamoru Iriguchi in PAINKILLERS. Pic: Jemima Yong.
Using the knitted bodysuit to play with ideas of sexuality—as well as body horror—with voice over, and audience participation, Iriguchi creates a captivating disorientation and asks us fervent questions surrounding gender, identity and the body.
The set is simple, yet effective, swapping between the backstage dressing room and the on-stage performance space, with part of the humour and charm coming from watching Iriguchi change this himself. Every aspect of PAINKILLERS is thoughtful, from the rotating set to the knitted body’s genitals. As this labour of love unravels, we see how love, magic, deception and pain all go hand in hand.
An incredibly witty and curious show filled with visual humour, PAINKILLERS will delight those who wish to be guided through a beautiful hour, scrupulously studying our misalignments with the body, gender, pain, and love.
Running time: One hour (no interval).
Summerhall (Anatomy Lecture Theatre), 1 Summerhall, EH9 1PL. (Venue 26).
Thursday 31 July – Monday 25 August 2025.
Daily (not Mons): 5.45pm.
Tickets and details: Book here on EdFringe.com.
Book here on Love the Fringe.com*.
*affiliate link.
Summerhall website: https://www.summerhallarts.co.uk/
Mamoru Iriguchi website: www.iriguchi.co.uk
Facebook: @XXXFB
Instagram: @mamoruiriguchi1
YouTube: @MamoruVideo
TikTok: @XXXTT
Linktree: @XXXL
X: @XXXT
Mamoru Iriguchi in PAINKILLERS. Pic: Jemima Yong.
ENDS