The Dahlia Files by Trystan Youngjohn

About

January 15th, 1947 - the mutilated body of a young woman was found in an abandoned lot. It became one of the most famous unsolved cases in true crime history.
Elizabeth Short believed in the inherent goodness of people even when she had been given so many reasons not to. She moved freely around the world knowing that the universe would catch her if she fell.
Until it didnt.
A gruesome unsolved murder, a young woman dead before her prime, reborn as an icon known as 'The Black Dahlia'. After years of media speculation and true crime podcasts, The Black Dahlia has never been able to tell her own story. That is, until tonight.
Part chilling mystery, part experimental cabaret, "The Dahlia Files grapples with the ethics behind the recent boom in true crime entertainment. It explores the commercialisation of violence and gore, and the dehumanising impact on victims and their families. Unnerving, darkly funny, and probing - this is a production you wont want to miss.

Hey Thanks! Theatre Collective is a queer and women-led theatre company focusing on the importance of collective collaboration. Based in both Edinburgh and London, Hey Thanks! fosters emerging creatives through community programming throughout the year, and a focus on new writing.
The Dahlia Files marks the companys second time at the Brighton Fringe Festival. Previously, Hey Thanks! was recognised as one of Playbills Five Edinburgh-Based Companies to Watch Out For for their show Kitchen Underwear. In the last two years, they have taken three shows to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, receiving the prestigious Keep it Fringe funding for both years. Most recently, the company has hosted their first scratch night, as well as a writing workshop, with both events selling out. The Dahlia Files is set to participate in The Free Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025.

Previous praise for Hey Thanks! Theatre Collective:
There is a sadness to Youngjohns characterisation that is almost too deep for words
All Edinburgh Theatre
Theres a real confidence and sense of visual invention to this production directed by Kate Stamoulis
Scotsman