One thing that makes Calgary a unique summer city is the fact that for two months solid, one can spend each day at a different festival. If you are wondering where to go next, and are looking for something that is both unique and well worth your time, make sure you check out The Calgary Fringe Festival taking place July 30th until August 7th.
Wondering “what the fringe” you can find at Fringe Festival? According to Michele Gallant, Festival Director and Producer, Fringe is not your typical week of the arts.
“Think of it like a potluck dinner, there is something for everybody. All the theater artists performing in the Festival are chosen from a lottery. The Festival is uncensored and unbiased in that there is very little consideration as to what level you are at. All I ask is that there is a disclaimer before every show, and it is not against the law. “
There is indeed a plethora of performances that deserve checking out. There is the Inglewood Sunfest on July 31, highlighting all that 9th Street SE has to offer. Included will be street performers, pie eating contests, a vintage car show, a kid’s zone, and much more.
Running for the full duration of the Festival is the photography exhibit, 101 Naked Calgarians from Exposed Calgary. Intrigued? You should be. This exhibit displays ordinary Calgarians doing ordinary things. The only thing extraordinary is the fact that they are doing these things in the buff.
The indoor performances are so diverse, anybody could be entertained. Gallant agrees, “When I am asked what is good, I answer, what are you in the mood for? There is something for everybody.” For those that have never been to The Fringe Festival, she says, “these are one hour shows at the most. Dedicate one hour to it and see what you think.”
There are many shows that have queer content, if that is what you are looking for. Phone Whore by Cameryn Moore may pique your interest: “Truth and taboo collide in this intimate visit with a phone sex operator. Listen closely: she may change your views on sex forever.” Perhaps stories of hot threesome one-night stands and the perils of personal ads will catch your interest, in Seeking by Heat and Hot Water Productions. Whatever your taste, there is something to please you.
Calgary Sun readers may recognize the playwright of one of The Fringe’s productions: Almost a Love Story by Louis B. Hobson. Not only is he an Entertainment columnist for the Sun, but also the playwright of this performance: “Daniel, a 20-year-old university student, discovers that his recently deceased father was having an affair and that his father’s mistress was a mister. Daniel decides to confront his father’s lover in order to discover who his father really was. The play explores love on all levels.”
Being a part of this year’s Fringe Festival was a bit of a fluke, according to Hobson. “We were lucky. After winning this year’s Calgary Region One Act Festival and the Best Play at the Provincial One Acts at Whitecourt, we were told that being a part of The Calgary Fringe Festival was included with the award.” This is much to the good fortune of the Fringe Festival’s audience, as this play is not to be missed.
“This play asks how we are meant to love. It explores the world of bisexuality, as that was who Daniel’s father was. He could function on both sides of sexuality, yet the fact that his wife never knew causes a myriad of other problems. It also explores how we express love. He never set out to hurt his wife, which makes him somewhat of a sympathetic character.”
“What is great is what this story asks. Many people wanted to talk to me after the play’s previous showings. They had stories of understanding and familiarity with the characters. It encouraged a great deal of discussion, which is what I think, is important.”
So, what is holding you back from checking out The Calgary Fringe Festival? Says Michele Gallant, “All of the venues are in walking distance and there is no ticket over $15. 80% of the ticket sales go back to the artists, and the remaining 20% goes to operation costs. There are artists from all over the world attending the festival. 60% are local, 20% are national, and 20% are international.”
This is purely an artist’s venue. The Fringe Festival requires all guests to purchase a Fringe button for only $5.00. All of the money raised by the buttons goes back to the Festival to ensure it can successfully run again.
Make sure you experience some of Fringe this year! 