Sydney’s Fringe 2023 – new hubs, bigger vibe
By ISABELLA GIBBS
The vibrant city of Sydney is gearing up for a month-long celebration of creativity, diversity, and artistic expression as the Sydney Fringe Festival launches its much-anticipated 2023 program. With over 400 events spread across 12 festival hubs, the festival promises an extensive mix of performances, exhibitions, and experiences that will captivate audiences from 1st to 30th September.
“We are incredibly excited to present the full program for this year’s Sydney Fringe Festival, which has shaped up to be one of our most dynamic and diverse.”, said CEO and festival director, Kerri Glasscock. Renowned as Sydney’s largest independent arts festival, the event boasts an impressive line-up that showcases the best of Fringe comedy, cabaret, music, dance, and more.
Both local and international artists will waltz the historic cobblestone laneways, sandstone buildings, and pop-up stages, kicking off with Fringe Ignite in The Rocks, a free street party headlined by the iconic Rogue Traders. “Taking over the city for an entire month, Fringe has something for everyone!”, says Glasscock.
“I have seen our festival community continue to expand, explore new terrains, and push boundaries with each iteration,” Glasscock added. “We can’t wait for audiences to experience the innovative works as part of the festival-first Dance Hub, our hand-picked shows for Made in Sydney, plus our fabulous new precinct takeover at Entertainment Quarter.”
Adding to the festivals allure is the brand-new Dance Hub at the Sydney Dance Company. This hub will serve as a platform for emerging and established dance artists to showcase their talents. Proud Ngarrindjeri/Bungandidj first nations man and choreographer, Lewis Major, will be the first to present his intimate performance piece, Lien: One-to-One, to the hub, offering a unique and personal interaction between one dancer and one lucky audience member.
A highlight of the touring program is the Touring Hub at PACT Centre for emerging artists, which brings award winning productions from around the world to the feet of Sydneysiders. Works like “The Mother,” an absurdist exploration of the mother-son relationship, and “Playing With Men,” a comedic examination of toxic masculinity are set to captivate and provoke thought amongst attendees.
The festivals commitment to inclusivity shines through with the return of the LIMITLESS micro-festival, celebrating deaf and disabled artists. This dedicated hub will feature an array of innovative performances with highlights including Crips & Creeps, an inclusive comedy showcase; The Reckoning, a poetic theatre piece by Sue Jo Wright performed entirely in Auslan; and a screening of short films curated by queer, disabled artist and advocate Emily Dash.
The excitement, however, extends beyond the adults, promising an immersive experience for families as well. The Fringe Kids program offers a line-up of shows that blend both education and entertainment seamlessly. Circus acts, storytelling performances, and interactive shows like 101 Ways to Annoy Your Parents promise to delight children and parents alike, ensuring an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
“Each year Sydney Fringe Festival has gone from strength to strength, hosting big international names and nurturing local talent,” said Glasscock.
With the addition of a new dance hub, touring hub, the return of Fringe Ignite headlined by the Rogue Traders and micro-festival LIMITLESS, attendees can take their pick in a range of offerings.
September 1 – October 1
sydneyfringe.com
