With a bold and sassy programme of more than 70 productions, this year’s Cape Town Fringe – which runs in the city from 24 September to 4 October – promises to be a showcase of the best of South African theatre.
Audiences can look forward to an invigorating mix of new and original work spanning every genre, the organisers say. It is the second time this annual event will be held in the City.
Artistic Director Ismail Mahomed said the Cape Town Fringe was evolving its own artistic fingerprint – that of an engaged, original, and socially aware programme.
“It demonstrates how independent artists and arts companies are passionately engaging with the world around them and bringing that experience to their work,” Mahomed said, adding that more productions are likely be added in the coming weeks as contractual and other discussions are concluded.
While the programme comprises mostly theatre, dance, performance art, physical theatre, music, family theatre and magic will round off the 11-day Festival.
“The programme includes work that has left audiences stunned at other festivals and theatres, as well as fresh work from established companies and a selection of new voices. We believe it is an invigorating mix that will blow audiences away,” Mahomed said.
This year’s line-up aims to offer a wide choice, ensuring that the Fringe matches the vibrancy and creativity of other Fringe Festivals worldwide.
“Audiences will be able to craft an amazing experience, drawing from productions that won the coveted Standard Bank Ovation Award at the recent National Arts Festival, through to original work that is devised and created specifically to premiere at this year’s Fringe,” he added.
A broad selection panel reviewed the proposals submitted for the Fringe this year. Led by Mahomed, it comprised Jaqueline Dommisse, Yazeed Kamaldien, Warona Seane, Sifiso Kweyama, Adrienne Sichel and Lynette Marais.
Produced by the experienced team at the National Arts Festival, the Cape Town Fringe will make use of venues in the City Centre, at the V&A Waterfront (for the first time in 2015) and Langa. See Cape Town Fringe Route
NEW ELEMENTS INTRODUCED TO CAPE TOWN FRINGE
Lankester said last year’s event had given the organisers a solid base from which to innovate: “We want to grow the event even more and we will be introducing some innovations developed as a result of open engagement with Cape artists and institutions earlier this year.”
Some of this year’s innovations include:
– Patrons who book via the Cape Town Fringe website will be able to make use of the print-at-home-ticket function, reducing queuing time for patrons.
– An enhanced and more user-friendly Cape Town Fringe mobile booking and planning app.
– A stronger programme of events for schools and learner groups during the daytime.
– Greater cognizance given to religious and other holidays in the planning process.
– Expanding to venues beyond the City Hall precinct.
– Partnering with Cape Town Tourism and a specialist travel agent to put packages together for visitors from other cities wanting to attend the Fringe.
– More specials for workers in the City to attend shows during their lunch breaks. “Give us your lunch hour, we’ll give you a show and a sandwich,” say organisers.
– A busier and more vibrant Fringe Club in the City Hall, where patrons will be able to meet for coffee, a glass of wine and a light meal.
Joining the City as a full sponsor of the event this year is Standard Bank, who will play host to the Standard Bank music stage in the City Hall.
Booking for the Fringe
