Grab your buttons, tickets, programs and you’re off! From puppetry to to stand-up, from heavy drama to physical theatre, from music to spoken word, the Victoria Fringe has it all.
As the city welcomes 47 companies from around the world, we spoke with Enigmatic Events’ Chris Rudram. His improv show, #past#present#future, co-produced with Natasha Guerra, marks his third consecutive year with the Victoria Fringe. “…Fringe allows us to be part of a larger movement, which creates more awareness. It’s also a great space to experiment with an audience that expects to be surprised and challenged.” This year his piece explores personal changes over time. Audience members submit words. Three are selected to generate an image for the past, present and the future respectively…and then GO! Enjoy Bill Nance, Brett Macdonald, Jazz Campbell, Natasha Guerra and Taylor Montalbetti as they grapple with change. “It’s not comedy, but there will be laughs, how it ends up is hard to say,” smiles Rudram, a self-professed aficionado of the unknown.
Cast at Club Kwench photo credit Alyssa Hynds
And this is just one of the many, many options. Love dance? Check out Para Dos, direct from Argentina via Montreal. This sizzling dance piece from PointeTango dance company evokes the passion and intensity of Argentine tango. Lauded as a “clear audience favorite” with a five out of five from The Star Phoenix, this show looks fantastic.
Photo credit Mark Ruddick
Looking for something thoughtful and compelling for the whole family? How about Rocko and Nakota Tales from the Land, from Indigenized Indigenous Theatre takes on the interplay of stories, both present and deep in the past. “Rocko’s storytelling is mesmerizing as he mixes ancient indigenous legend with modern stories.”
Photo credit Ottawa Fringe
…And this only represents 5% of what is on offer…so much! Pick up a Fringe Festival program to explore the many, many options, or peruse the calendar here. Not sure what you like? Head down to Centennial Square today for 3pm to enjoy the Fringe Preview.
Last words: don’t forget to cheer on the techies back stage and in the booth, turn off those devices and unwrap those mints and candies before the lights go down…
And for everyone involved, a big BREAK A LEG! From the DVBA
