Amanda Knox, an American author and former student, has taken the Edinburgh Fringe stage, reviving controversy that has followed her since her 2007 conviction and later acquittal in the murder of fellow student Meredith Kercher in Perugia. The first cause célèbre this year is the appearance of Knox, whose story continues to divide opinion.
The show, titled Cartwheel, is billed as comedy but reads more like a spoken‑word monologue. It is performed in the bedroom of Knox's four‑year‑old daughter, where she tidies toys and jokes that the mess looks like a "crime scene". She weaves wry references to the grisly events in Italy and reflects on her own childhood, recalling a crayon‑signed contract promising she would not marry before age 30.
About the show "Cartwheel"
Knox's narrative moves beyond the murder case to explore her life before and after the trial. She discusses how she always seemed different, how she once considered a career as a performer, and how she rebuilt her life after release, marrying and becoming a mother. While she paints herself as a victim, she also underscores that the real victim was Kercher, noting that the press often focused on the nickname "Foxy Knoxy" rather than the tragedy.
Public reaction and free‑speech debate
Calls for the show to be cancelled have surfaced, with some arguing that the Fringe should not give her a platform. Others defend her right to tell her story, citing free‑speech principles. The performance has been condemned by some but defended by others on the grounds of artistic expression.
The show is being watched closely by audiences in both the United States and Canada, where discussions about the boundaries of comedy and true‑crime storytelling are already prominent. In Canada, several arts festivals have recently faced similar questions about giving platforms to figures with contentious pasts. American media outlets have highlighted the performance, noting its potential impact on public perception of high‑profile legal cases.
Knox ends on a defiant note, asserting that she is allowed to do cartwheels if she wishes. While the piece may not fit neatly into a traditional stand‑up slot, it has earned four stars from reviewer Bruce Dessau. Cartwheel runs at the Gilded Balloon until August 17.