Amanda Knox Returns to Fringe with 'Cartwheel,' Reflecting on Trauma and Motherhood

Amanda Knox’s new comedy show, ‘Cartwheel,’ at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, offers a raw and personal retelling of her story, now filtered through the lens of motherhood and a growing sense of defiance.

A Controversial Return

The show, described by Knox as a “human version of the blue/gold dress,” continues to face criticism for revisiting a deeply sensitive and controversial case. Some question the profitability of sharing her experiences, while others argue that classifying the performance as comedy risks insensitivity.

Navigating Trauma and New Motherhood

‘Cartwheel’ blends Knox’s account of her wrongful imprisonment with the realities of raising a four-year-old daughter. She grapples with the challenge of explaining her past trauma to her child and confronting the online abuse she and her daughter have faced. The performance incorporates dialogue with her daughter’s voice and the mundane task of folding children’s clothes, creating a unique and unsettling atmosphere.

Defiance and a Renewed Voice

Knox delivers several sharp, witty jokes throughout the show, eliciting rueful smiles rather than outright laughter. Despite her inexperience as a comedian, she skillfully shapes and performs this latest iteration of her story, driven by a spirit of defiance and a determination to reclaim her narrative. She aims to instill in her daughter a sense of self-worth, resisting the silencing and fear she experienced herself.

The performance is viewed as a respectful tribute to her murdered friend and a well-executed effort to control her own narrative.