David Jonsson’S Bold New Play ‘Paldem’ Dives Into The World Of Amateur Porn

From Silver Screen to Stage: David Jonsson’s Risqué New Venture

Hey there, darling readers! If you’ve swooned over David Jonsson in the charming south London rom-com Rye Lane (2023), brace yourselves for something a little spicier. The 31-year-old London-born actor, who also stole hearts as an Eton-educated banker in Industry and a shy android in Alien: Romulus, is stepping into the playwright’s spotlight with his debut work, Paldem.

This isn’t your typical love story, honey. Premiering at the Edinburgh Fringe, Paldem is billed as an “anti-romantic comedy” that dives headfirst into the murky waters of interracial dating, fetishism, and hook-ups in our swipe-right era. With warnings of nudity, strong language, and themes that might raise a few eyebrows, Jonsson’s play is anything but tame - and we’re here for it.

Just to set the stage, the story follows flatmates Kevin and Megan, twentysomethings bonded over late-night takeaways and binge-watching Rick & Morty. But when a steamy one-night stand gets accidentally filmed, they’re thrust into the seductive (and complicated) world of amateur pornography on platforms like OnlyFans. Talk about a plot twist!

Unpacking the Premise: A Modern Take on Intimacy

Let’s get a little closer, shall we? Paldem isn’t just about shock value - it’s a raw look at how the internet shapes sex, work, and relationships for today’s generation. Jonsson, who also nabbed the Bafta Rising Star award this year, calls Edinburgh “a place where artists go to dare,” and he’s certainly daring us to think deeper with this piece.

Director Zi Alikhan and the cast, including Michael Workeye as Kevin and Natasha Cowley as Megan, have been candid about their research into amateur porn (don’t worry, browser histories were cleared!). What struck them? The casual professionalism - from swapping STD tests like airport scans to the surprising care participants show each other.

“What I love about this play is how it challenges us to talk about what feels good and what doesn’t - we’re so scared to have those conversations,” Alikhan shared during rehearsals near London Bridge.

Behind the Scenes: Jonsson’s Personal Touch

Now, let’s flirt with the man behind the script. Jonsson’s own journey - from being expelled from school in London to studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York at just 16 - fuels his authentic storytelling. He’s always written about “things I know to be true,” and Paldem follows his 2018 short film Gen Y with its topical edge.

How close is he to the world of amateur content creation? With a playful dodge, Jonsson admits, “I know people who are involved,” but insists it’s all just a click away for anyone curious. The play also weaves in themes of race, inspired by a report predicting a rise in mixed-race Londoners - a future Jonsson finds “awesome.”

Workeye, who plays Kevin, likens Paldem to a modern This is Our Youth, swapping Reagan-era materialism for digital-age hustles. For Kevin and Megan, uploading content feels as casual as “getting a job at Starbucks.” It’s a gig, a grind, and a gamble all at once.

The Business of Pleasure: Empowerment or Risk?

Let’s turn up the heat and talk business, babe. Amateur porn isn’t just about liberation - it’s a legit hustle with marketing strategies and tax headaches, as Cowley discovered. Celebs like Cardi B, Kate Nash, and Bella Thorne have even tapped into OnlyFans for non-explicit content, proving it’s a revenue stream with star power.

But it’s not all glitz and glamour. The play doesn’t shy away from the darker side - the risk of exploitation, the dopamine rush of likes replacing real connection, and the internet’s relentless commentary. A recent Channel 4 documentary on Bonnie Blue, who filmed extreme content for OnlyFans, serves as a stark reminder of the industry’s pitfalls.

Still, Cowley sees a silver lining, noting how platforms like these offer sex workers safer spaces and help de-stigmatize diverse desires. Workeye agrees, promising audiences a front-row seat to “the good, the bad, and the ugly” of this world. You’ll cringe, you’ll laugh, and you might just rethink a few taboos.

Will They or Won’t They? The Cast’s Take on Joining In

So, would the cast ever dip a toe into this digital pond? Cowley teases with a coy, “I’d have to think about that for a while,” while Jonsson keeps mum on the mysterious meaning of “Paldem” - only assuring us it’s “definitely nothing rude.” Oh, the intrigue!

If you’re itching to see this boundary-pusher, catch Paldem at TechCube 0 at Summerhall, Edinburgh, until August 25. It’s hyper-real dialogue wrapped in extraordinary circumstances, as Cowley puts it, making it feel like eavesdropping on a convo right off the street.

Whether it’s Jonsson’s raw take on modern intimacy or the play’s unflinching look at digital desire, Paldem is set to spark dialogue - and maybe a little blush. So, tell us, are you brave enough to join the conversation?