Atlanta Fringe Festival opts for unconventional
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Sloan Brettholtz's "Officer Scott." Photo: Courtesy of Atlanta Fringe Festival
The Atlanta Fringe Festival, the weeklong celebration of comedy, improv and high-risk, high-reward performances, kicks off Monday in Little Five Points, Old Fourth Ward and East Atlanta.
Why it matters: The mix of free and ticketed events is a "bastion of discovery," executive director Diana Brown told Axios.
- "It's harder than it used to be to be surprised by something, with so much of the internet trying to target and customize your world," Brown said.
- "Fringe gives you so many opportunities to have those unexpected discoveries without feeling like you've wasted a lot of time and money."
State of play: From now through June 9, artists from across the state, nation and world will perform experimental, unconventional and highly creative works for audiences seeking a little more surprise with their drama.
- Venues include 7 Stages, Metropolitan Studios, Dynamic El Dorado and more.
Zoom in: Ticketed performances include "Dance With Dementia," nonprofit Spotlight Exchange's solo piece about the effect of memory loss on loved ones; "Let Me Say This About That" by Minneapolis comedy troupe Imaginary Podcast Network; and a burlesque performance by the Speakeasy Sirens of Orlando.
What's new: "Street Fringe," a partnership with the Little 5 Points Business Association, is a three-day series of singers, comedians and artists performing around the neighborhood and a new addition to the festival lineup, Brown said.
- The program includes 15 busking acts, ranging from a jazz clarinet performer and Chilean guitar player to an acrobat and puppeteer — plus an immersive storyline running throughout about the neighborhood's history.
What we're watching: Monday's performance of "Five/5ths of Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure," a dissection and reassembly of the classic Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter film.