The Provocateurs: The Weakness of Vulnerability / Should You Trust Anyone?

Edinburgh 2026

We like to think vulnerability deepens empathy. From TED talks to philosophy, we celebrate it as the key to empathy and courage. Dr Adrianna Zabrzewska (Edinburgh Napier University) explores what happens when vulnerability isn’t gentle or liberating but exploited for political gain. What do we know about trust? Do we even need to trust anymore, when we can just look people up online or track their movements? Dr Michael Stirrat (Edinburgh Napier University) explores trust and relationships.

This is an archived listing from the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The Provocateurs: The Weakness of Vulnerability / Should You Trust Anyone? is by The Provocateurs, listed under Spoken Word in the Fringe programme. It plays at The Stand Comedy Club 3 & 4, 28 York Place, EH1 3EP, 7 August.

The show runs 60 minutes and is suitable for ages 14+. Tickets are £12.