"Underground" art is emerging for the Fringe Festival
Fringe festivals the world over are fast becoming a popular staple of the art and theatre calendar. Showcasing ‘fringe’ theatre – or productions and entertainment not of the mainstream – fringe festivals celebrate unconventional theatre, art and performance techniques and are often at the forefront of underground and urban arts and cultural trends.
The history of ‘fringe’ festivals
The word ‘fringe’ originated from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (founded in 1947), when Robert Kemp described the unofficial companies performing at the same time as the second Edinburgh International Festival as a ‘fringe’. The term was subsequently adopted to describe the Edinburgh Festival Fringe – now the largest in the world – and thence by alternative theatres and alternative theatre festivals.
Many fringe festivals, including the second largest – the Adelaide Fringe Festival – started as alternatives to traditional and conservative art, cultural and theatre festivals in different cities around the globe. Different to ‘normal’ arts festivals, they focus on up-and-coming and untraditional art performances that push the boundaries.
Sydney’s Fringe Festival
With a thriving theatre and arts community, Sydney’s Fringe Festival is no exception, and in 2010 promises to live up to the ‘fringe’ promise of independent, innovative and daring new theatre, gaming, music and other art varieties.
- When and where is it to be held? Edgy, alternative theatre, major concerts, visual arts openings and ‘brief encounters in surprising places’ will hit Sydney’s Newtown/Marrickville/Enmore area – Sydney’s notorious independent and edgy theatre precinct – for 17 days from 10 – 26 September 2010.
- What should Sydney expect from the Fringe Festival? Pitched as a festival ‘bursting up from the underground in Sydney’s inner west’, the festival is set to be an innovative showcasing of new ideas, trends and art forms across a variety of disciplines such as visual arts, sports and games, film, digital arts, comedy, music, theatre, musical theatre, circus/physical theatre, dance, cabaret, books, poetry, kids and family shows and special events.
- How much will the festival cost? While the festival will descend on the inner West mid-September and there will be many free and impromptu performances, tickets for scheduled events and performances are expected to sell for between $25- $30.
For a different taste and insight into Sydney’s underground art and theatre world, make sure to check out a performance or two at the Sydney Fringe Festival in September.
Staying in Sydney for the Fringe Festival? Book into Cambridge Hotel just near Central station – it’s just a train or bus away from all the fun!
Are you looking forward to the fringe festival? Do you think your a black sheep?
