Cape Town Fringe introduces new format for 2017

“Part of the ethos of Fringe festivals across the world has been the creation of platforms and opportunities for artists who have been relegated to the margins. We will have a hub elsewhere in the City Centre but the focus of the 2017 festival will be on partnering with existing spaces across the peninsula, as well as supporting and nurturing new spaces that have relevance and resonance in the communities where they have emerged. So this year both venues and artists are invited to apply.” Said Johaardien.

All genres are welcome

Productions in all genres of performance are eligible for consideration. Preference will be given to smaller and medium-sized works that are able to tour to venues on the planned Cape Town Fringe circuit. Work should be bold, compelling unconventional, socially aware and relevant.

“We are focusing on building a ‘Cape Town Fringe Circuit’.” explained festival CEO Tony Lankester.

‘We’ve been going for three years and the Cape Town Fringe has made its mark on the city’s arts calendar. We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved. Thousands of performers and tens of thousands of audience members have enjoyed what the Fringe has offered. However, across the city, there are venues, theatres, performers, and communities who are battling to find their way into the ‘mainstream’ and, often against enormous odds, are still managing to bring stages to life with great art. So, this year we want to work with new theatre makers and spaces to amplify their platforms and the work they are putting on them.” continues Lankester.

Successful productions will be programmed into venues selected for participation and the Cape Town Fringe team will also work with successful venues to programme from their own networks and/or from the open call for expressions of interest.

How to register your production

Cape Town venue owners, production companies, collectives and individual theatre-makers are invited to register expressions of interest online. The deadline for submissions is 31 July 2017. The Cape Town Fringe will provide overall festival marketing, and produce the works selected.

Visit the website here for more information, or email az.oc.egnirfnwotepac@slasoporp with any queries.