300 Paintings

Theatre (visual art, comedy)

  • Summerhall - TechCube 0
  • 10:55
  • Aug 26
  • 1 hour
  • Suitability: 16+ (Guideline)
  • Country: Australia
  • Group: Sam Kissajukian
  • Warnings and additional info: Contains content about mental health and bipolar disorder.
  • Accessibility:
    Audio enhancement system
    Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
    May not apply to all performances. You'll find more information about accessibile performances and how to book tickets in the accessibility tab below.
  • Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket
  • Policy applies to: Children under 2 years
Please note, latecomers may not be admitted.

Description

Winner of eight Australian Fringe Festival awards. Is art a joke? Sydney artist and comedian Sam Kissajukian examines 300 paintings created during a five-month long manic bipolar episode. An epic story exploring art, mental health and creativity.

Please note that while all media gallery content is provided by verified members of the event, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society does not review or approve this content before it is posted. Reports of inappropriate content or copyright infringement can be directed to [email protected].

General venue access

  • Audio enhancement system
    Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
  • Accessible entry: Once in the Courtyard, follow the signs up the access ramp, pass in front of the decking bar and into the main reception. Follow signage down the corridor, past the Café turning left at the neon corridor. Once past the double doors, go past the Red Lecture Theatre and through the next set of double doors and Tech Cube 0 is directly ahead of you.
  • Wheelchair access type: Permanent Ramp, Level Access

  • Stairs: Information not supplied

Each venue can contain several space with different accessibly information. Visit the venue page for full venue accessibility info


How and when to make an access booking

Our access tickets service is available to anyone who:

  • Would like to book specific accessibility services, e.g. a hearing loop, audio description headsets, captioning units, seating in relation to the location of the BSL interpreter
  • Requires extra assistance when at a venue
  • Has specific seating requirements
  • Is a wheelchair user
  • Requires a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a performance

Jessica 14 days ago

Still thinking about how this show was able to to order such chaos into a fascinating and linear context. This guy is a genius, or is he? His art is a wonder, or is it? He cares, or does he? I loved how much post-show conversation there was with this show.

Al Clarke 18 days ago

Very interesting. I rank it top out of 8 shows so far seen at this Fringe.

Albert Lin 20 days ago

What a delightful show! A bit of storytelling and standup comedy focused on the bipolar experience (moreso than on the art). I recommend it as a window into what it’s like to have that condition. It’s quite a ride from start to finish and inspirational for those who have neurospiciness and making art. Highly recommended!

EW 21 days ago

A wonderfully entertaining hour where we learnt about Sam's journey into the bipolar world (without actually knowing he has it!). Funny, engaging, and highly recommended - 5/5!

Jon Smith 22 days ago

In 300 Paintings, former stand-up comedian Sam Kissajukian describes how he evolved into an artist while suffering declining mental health, eventually diagnosed as bipolar. Perhaps due to the performer's previous career, the show has a stand-up comedy feel, enhanced by a presentation of his art. Despite the serious issues discussed, Sam's engaging performance means that the mood is overwhelmingly light-hearted and positive, as he recounts the bizarre decisions he took due to to his condition. The exhibition of this art at Summerhall provides an interesting counterpart to the show.

Susan B 23 days ago

Sam's creativity blew me away. His talent is multifaceted, this is definitely 5/5 and I would have felt robbed had I not experienced it.

Helen 28 days ago

A fascinating and very funny show. From his opening words, Sam hooked me into a rollercoaster hour of stories, art, humour and insights into life with bipolar disorder. It was brilliantly and hilariously delivered. I felt quite privileged to have an insight into his creative genius and journey as an artist.

Dora Voros 32 days ago

300 paintings offers you the insight into the life of a very unique and interesting artist. All jokes landed seamlessly, and seeing the exhibition after the performance is highly recommended to extended your experience. Perfect start for your day during this Fringe!

Boris Samarov 33 days ago

A hilarious, masterful storyteller opens a window into what it means to be a profoundly creative person with bipolar disorder. This show takes the audience on a rollercoaster journey that leaves you filled with hope and insight.

Snap Judgement 34 days ago

★★★★★ 300 PAINTINGS - Through Insanity and Back

The Good
- Masterclass in Madness: Sam Kissajukian delivers an exploration of creativity and mental health, transforming a manic bipolar episode into an artistic triumph.
- Comedy Meets Canvas: The comedic storytelling perfectly balances the absurdity and seriousness of the subject matter.
- From Imitation to Innovation: Watching his journey from copying masters to finding his own voice is truly inspiring.

The Not So Good
- Chaotic Moments: The narrative can be disjointed at times, leading to a few unfinished thoughts.
- Commercial Tint: The marketing undertones may distract from the philosophical narrative for some viewers.

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See all my 5-star and 4-star reviews in Instagram Highlights @snap.judgement.reviews


Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.

Bouquets & Brickbats (4/5 stars) 17 days ago

His easy-going patter makes the complex mental health issues accessible, and the projections of his artwork illustrate the story perfectly.

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The Scotsman (4/5 stars) 18 days ago

A quirky and very enjoyable piece about the obsession, bravado and maverick thinking of exploring the creative instinct has been building to something deeper

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The British Theatre Guide (4/5 stars) 25 days ago

An excellent show, and with the added bonus that a selection of Kissajukian’s pieces are on display in Summerhall, which he’s more than happy to personally discuss with audience members at the end of the performance.

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The Stage (3/5 stars) 27 days ago

“Smartly put together”

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Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.

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Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.