The New Zealand Fringe Festival was modeled after the famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe was the first arts festival in the world to showcase alternative and experimental theater. It has served as a model for numerous fringe festivals held around the world, including the NZ Fringe. The New Zealand Fringe Festival was established in 1990 by Simon Elson, who then served as a manager of BATS Theatre. The festival was originally named the BATS Fringe Fest after the theater.
The festival is held annually and lasts for three weeks, beginning in mid-February and running through early March. It features artists from all over New Zealand and abroad, showcasing their latest works. Like other fringe festivals, the NZ Fringe is an unjuried, open access festival. Anyone is allowed to participate and there are no constraints on the content or presentation of the work. Artists are required to pay a registration fee. In return, the festival assists them by providing marketing, practical information and advice. All production and presentation costs are the responsibility of the artists.
The festival performances are held at various venues across Wellington including theaters, concert halls, art galleries, cafes, bars and even in the streets, parks, and other public spaces. Participants are encouraged to take a creative and artistic risk, so attendees have the unique opportunity to watch a variety of stunning performances in various genreы including improvisation, cabaret, clownery, stand-up comedy, circus, film, fashion, contemporary music, physical theater, poetry, puppetry, alternative and experimental theater, traditional theater, visual art, and more.
The New Zealand Fringe Festival is a great platform for both emerging and established artists who want to find new audiences. The festival’s notable alumni include the comedy band Fight of the Concords, actor and comedian Rhys Darby, and the country’s oldest contemporary dance company Footnote Dance.
Photo: fringe.co.nz
