--- title: "Diva to Diva | Assembly Festival" meta: "og:description": "At this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, two one-woman shows explore the word’s many meanings through two very different leading ladies: the fictional operatic icon Louisa McRay in DIVA, and the legendary Marlene Dietrich." "og:title": "Diva to Diva" "twitter:description": "At this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, two one-woman shows explore the word’s many meanings through two very different leading ladies: the fictional operatic icon Louisa McRay in DIVA, and the legendary Marlene Dietrich." "twitter:title": "Diva to Diva" description: "At this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, two one-woman shows explore the word’s many meanings through two very different leading ladies: the fictional operatic icon Louisa McRay in DIVA, and the legendary Marlene Dietrich." --- # Diva to Diva [← Back to News](https://assemblyfestival.com/news) **Artist****Event****Theatre** ## At this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, two one-woman shows explore the word’s many meanings through two very different leading ladies: the fictional operatic icon Louisa McRay in _DIVA_, and the legendary Marlene Dietrich. The term _diva_ means different things to different people. For some, it’s shorthand for dramatic behavior and glamour. For others, like opera lovers, it’s a title of mastery — a recognition of extraordinary talent and artistry. ### ### A Tale of Two Divas: Louisa McRay and Marlene Dietrich In one corner, we have _DIVA_ — the story of fictional opera superstar Louisa McRay, a mezzo-soprano who once reigned at the very top of the operatic world. Now looking back on her life through a suitcase of cherished mementos, Louisa reflects on a career marked by triumph, turbulence, and an unwavering dedication to her craft. Her creator, a seasoned opera singer turned actor, calls _DIVA_ her “magnum opus” — the culmination of decades in the performing arts. After performing with Opera Australia and other major companies, she returned to acting in 2008 and has since merged both worlds into this deeply personal theatrical work. In the other corner, a vibrant portrayal of Marlene Dietrich — the legendary German-American actress, singer, and activist — takes audiences on a bold, interactive ride. This Marlene is unapologetically charismatic, daring, and playful, even offering audience members a kiss in homage to the star’s famous scene from the film _Morocco_. ## ## More Than Entertainment: A Celebration of Integrity and Inclusion For both performers, their shows are as much about values as they are about entertainment. Marlene’s story shines a light on integrity, liberation, and the courage to live authentically — ideals that resonate strongly in today’s cultural climate. Meanwhile, _DIVA_ reflects on the changing landscape of the arts. From early examples of diverse casting in opera to the growing inclusivity in Australian theatre and broadcasting, the show subtly weaves in themes of representation and progress. ## ## Audience Reactions: From Los Angeles to Edinburgh _DIVA_ debuted to rave reviews in Los Angeles last November, moving audiences with its emotional depth. Edinburgh audiences have proven equally captivated, following Louisa McRay’s life story as witnesses, rather than participants, in her journey. In contrast, the Marlene Dietrich show thrives on audience interaction, encouraging spectators to drop their guard, join the fun, and share in an energy exchange that blurs the line between performer and crowd. ## ## When and Where to See Them at the Edinburgh Fringe For those eager to dive into these unique theatrical worlds: **My Marlene**: _Assembly Checkpoint_, 19:40PM nightly. Closes Sunday 17 August **DIVA**: _The Drawing Room_, Assembly Rooms, 16:20pm. Closes Sunday 24 August Both shows promise unforgettable performances, each in their own distinct style — one an intimate memoir of a fictional operatic icon, the other a playful, interactive tribute to a real-life legend. ### **Follow Us** ### **Sign up to our newsletter** ## **THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS, SPONSORS AND PARTNERS** [![The City of Edinburgh Council](https://assemblyfestival.pazaz.studio/assets/d379ddbf-66cc-4bb3-909e-c524a9e673ac?width=400&height=200&fit=inside&format=png)Visit The City of Edinburgh Council website](https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/) [![The Church of Scotland](https://assemblyfestival.pazaz.studio/assets/49185c32-3f2d-4eda-ae62-d01a3e04c659?width=400&height=200&fit=inside&format=png)Visit The Church of Scotland website](https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/) [![Essential Edinburgh](https://assemblyfestival.pazaz.studio/assets/bbd576d2-3705-41b9-94af-7dfe6f96b6b2?width=400&height=200&fit=inside&format=png)Visit Essential Edinburgh website](https://www.essentialedinburgh.co.uk/) [![The University of Edinburgh](https://assemblyfestival.pazaz.studio/assets/56257592-6b16-4180-9c7c-562de7a6cc0e?width=400&height=200&fit=inside&format=png)Visit The University of Edinburgh website](https://www.ed.ac.uk/) [![Inchs](https://assemblyfestival.pazaz.studio/assets/fb42cf05-8f22-4aea-8e08-24e008e57457?width=400&height=200&fit=inside&format=png)Visit Inchs website](https://www.inchscider.co.uk/) [![encore](https://assemblyfestival.pazaz.studio/assets/d961c754-dd20-40c1-b476-5369a4076745?width=400&height=200&fit=inside&format=png)Visit encore website](https://www.encore-emea.com/) [![Deltalive](https://assemblyfestival.pazaz.studio/assets/1ca2a489-690b-4b55-b16a-cd6d2e539d7c?width=400&height=200&fit=inside&format=png)Visit Deltalive website](https://deltalive.net/) [![Robe](https://assemblyfestival.pazaz.studio/assets/b21f6feb-a965-4482-b78a-4466a153d45b?width=400&height=200&fit=inside&format=png)Visit Robe website](https://www.robe.cz/) [![Matthew Clark](https://assemblyfestival.pazaz.studio/assets/1a437a3c-6fa6-4078-a071-17d0e0b860d0?width=400&height=200&fit=inside&format=png)Visit Matthew Clark website](https://www.matthewclark.co.uk/) [![The List](https://assemblyfestival.pazaz.studio/assets/86335248-6c14-4676-bcb8-291543a4c604?width=400&height=200&fit=inside&format=png)Visit The List website](https://list.co.uk/) [![Capital Radio](https://assemblyfestival.pazaz.studio/assets/71f29d18-debc-4592-8ae7-0aa4f5163117?width=400&height=200&fit=inside&format=png)Visit Capital Radio website](https://www.capitalfm.com/) ![Forth 1](https://assemblyfestival.pazaz.studio/assets/dc387b7e-8339-4d99-b9be-b1a256439563?width=400&height=200&fit=inside&format=png) [![Deputy](https://assemblyfestival.pazaz.studio/assets/7e02ca85-c474-41c6-bd00-beb95ab98ece?width=400&height=200&fit=inside&format=png)Visit Deputy website](https://www.deputy.com/gb) [![Lothian](https://assemblyfestival.pazaz.studio/assets/c55784eb-57f5-464e-8f82-ad0e480d3b30?width=400&height=200&fit=inside&format=png)Visit Lothian website](https://www.lothianbuses.com/) [![Edinburgh International Film Festival](https://assemblyfestival.pazaz.studio/assets/bf554013-50b4-4eb8-91df-aeaa7ef890ac?width=400&height=200&fit=inside&format=png)Visit Edinburgh International Film Festival website](https://www.edfilmfest.org/) [![Street Assist Edinburgh](https://assemblyfestival.pazaz.studio/assets/d64fb877-77c5-4c98-bd42-15db5069750c?width=400&height=200&fit=inside&format=png)Visit Street Assist Edinburgh website](https://www.streetassist.co.uk/)