Arts writer
WITH a programme of more than 70 productions, this year’s Cape Town Fringe– which runs from September 24 to October 4 – promises to be a showcase of some of the best of South African theatre.
Audiences can look forward to a mix of new and original work spanning every genre, the organisers say. Artistic director Ismail Mahomed said the Cape Town Fringe, which is in its second year, is 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.
So far the programme for the 11-day festival comprises theatre, dance, performance art, physical theatre, music, family theatre and magic. “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.
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.
Fringe CEO Tony Lankester said that last year’s event gave 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 those innovations include a print-at-home ticket function, a more user-friendly mobile booking and planning app, a stringer programme of events for schools during the daytime, expanded venues beyond the City Hall precinct, and more shows for people who work in the city to attend at lunchtimes.
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.
l Bookings open at the end of August, www.capetownfringe.co.za