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'The diagonal of the square is incommensurable with its side.' Few words, but with unexpected implications: a number like this – neither whole nor fraction, thinkable but unknowable, wild, irrational – is a chaos element threatening the very order of things. The step from mathematics to heresy is short, and in Pythagoras’ time, mathematics could even cost you your life. A performance balancing mathematics and storytelling, where the story of Hippasus of Metapontum becomes an occasion to reflect on the role of mathematics in Western culture.
This is an archived listing from the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Irrational is by Raccontamiunastoria Storytelling Company, listed under Theatre in the Fringe programme. It plays at Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, EH1 1SR, 6 August to 16 August.
The show runs 60 minutes and is suitable for ages 12+. Tickets from £10. Content warnings: Audience participation.