Vibhinna Ramdev is an entrancing actor, pulling audiences into her life as she toils with questions of identity, belonging and connection to community. Having toured versions of the show at Adelaide and Stockholm Fringe, she graces the stage of Edinburgh Fringe this year. Ramdev explores her constantly evolving relationship with language. Her upper-middle class upbringing in India gave her the privilege of fluent English, but at what cost? She unpacks her persistent feeling of not belonging in her own country, and disconnection from the cultures she was born into.
Ramdev uses a bare set, with saris and other clothing strewn across the stage ready for her to wear as costumes, which she pulls over her shorts and vest, talking to the audience all the while. A grid hangs over her head, with white, translucent fabrics dangling down. These are used for scenery, or becoming characters and costume as Ramdev ties, loops, dangles and pulls at them emphatically. The flowing fabrics provide beautiful imagery while becoming powerful storytelling aids, a clever addition.
Ramdev takes you through twenty years of her life, while simultaneously discussing 200 years of colonial Indian history. Her story breaks down the marks of colonisation still felt today, as she puts it ‘the British left behind more than just the language’. Her journey of unlearning took decades of work which continues to this day, and through sharing her (literally) naked vulnerability on stage, Ramdev exposes postcolonial UK citizens to the ramifications of colonisation left in the dark.
While discussing topics that are hard to grapple with, Ramdev is so personable that she pulls you into her perspective seamlessly. Her performance is high energy, and she carries herself so openly that every moment feels spontaneous and raw, as if made up in that exact moment. She is a charismatic force to behold and deserves recognition for her insightful narrative power.
Why English? runs until 16th Aug 26 and tickets can be found at https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on?search=true&text=Why%20English%3F
Reviewer: Ella Beckley
Reviewed: 13th August 2026
North West End UK Rating:
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