This summer in Edmonton has been the usual mix of roasting hot weather broken only by the occasional awesome thunderstorm, packed restaurant patios everywhere, and construction. But any Edmontonian should realize there is still one important ingredient missing – the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, this year named “2007 – Live and Let Fringe”. In extreme brevity, the Fringe is North America’s largest theatre festival comprised of performers from around the world, performing at numerous venues. Some of these locations are used as theatre space only during the Fringe out of the need to accommodate the large numbers of actors and estimated 800,000 audience members! The Edmonton Fringe is so massive that it literally dominates Old Strathcona, the community where it takes place – the streets swell with fringe-goers and businesses actually change their regular hours to “fringe hours” because of the influx of people. It is Festival City at its best.
Fringe theatre festivals began as an alternative to mainstream theatre. Despite the incredible growth that the Edmonton Fringe has experienced in its 26 years and its well-deserved entrenchment in Edmonton’s theatre scene, it still remains true to its grassroots heritage by offering audiences theatre that may never be seen otherwise. For theatregoers, this means the chance to see works that, due to queer content, may not be produced by the mainstream theatre community.
For those uninitiated to fringing, do not be afraid – the event is high-energy, but low-key. Its casual approach to theatre has been a large part of its success because it is so easy for first-timers to fall right into place and have a great experience.
There are however, a few things to keep in mind. Starting at the bottom, think of your footwear. The festival is traversed by walking – expect to be on your feet a lot, especially if you intend to go between the incredible street performers. Tickets are no longer sold at the venue of the play, which means one less line-up if you buy your tickets online. But if you want some green onion cakes or an elephant ear, be prepared to wait…so you might as well do it in comfortable shoes. Weather is always an issue – dress accordingly and remember that you will be outside most of the time. Monitor your alcohol consumption at the beer gardens, especially if it is hot outside. The amazing Fringe volunteers that donate their time should not have to deal with your (ahem) inebriated underside. Catalogues of all the events are available on site and at 7-Elevens around the city. Be sure to pick one up and see if anything catches your eye.
The most important thing to consider for a great Fringe experience is attitude. There is a casual camaraderie among fringe-goers and it would serve you well to respect it and to revel in it. Everyone at the Fringe is, in a sense, there together; it makes the person beside you closer than just a stranger. Think of it as being in the same club at school, only multiplied by a few hundred thousand. It is this sense of community that dominates the streets and audiences of the Fringe, and that is integral to its operation. Hordes of volunteers donate their time, and it is through informal word-of-mouth communication among fringe-goers that information about plays is spread.
Because of the huge number of plays, it is impossible for local media to adequately review them. In its place, you have the word on the street, the buzz, at the Fringe itself, and it is highly trustworthy. Veteran fringe-goers are a fount of information and can be seen talking in groups about plays that are top-rate or bombing. They are your best assets if you are try to get an idea of what to see. Don’t hesitate to ask another fringe-goer if he or she has seen a great play - that is what true fringing is about. Enjoy being part of a festival where it is possible to see some excellent theatre just by trusting the word of a stranger. That being said, I would have to hand in my gay card if I didn’t mention Darrin Hagen and Guys in Disguise. This would be a great first-time act for people of any sexuality.
The Edmonton Fringe Festival
August 16th – 26th
Fringe Central Box Office
Located in the TransAlta Arts Barns
(780) 409-1910
www.fringetheatreadventures.ca
Ticket sales start Aug. 2nd
