How to get the most bang for your buck at the Sydney Fringe.
With the Sydney Fringe Festival offering a busy month of visual and performing arts events, it is tempting to see anything and everything possible. The only thing holding you back may be the effect this will have on your wallet.
Luckily, punters can breath easy with the knowledge that many shows in the Sydney Fringe Festival are quite affordable. The majority of events are under $30, most are much cheaper, and quite a few don’t cost a thing.
For visual art lovers most of the events are free. Fringe Arts at the Forum is a great way to see a huge extent of innovative work. May Street is having an open studio, where punters can talk with over 20 artists about their work. Liquid Kandinsky explores an electronic metaverse that chooses to shift awareness over dollars. Or for those that relish the great outdoors, the Rookwood Cemetery Sculpture Walk Hidden starts at 7am each day from 21-29 September.
For something more interactive, In Conversation with Amanda Palmer is an intimate event that rewards early birds over deep pockets. The free q’n’a session with Dresdon Dolls and solo artist Amanda Palmer will be happening at Venue 505 for those that RSVP in time to inconversation@2ser.com.
Outside in the Forum Piazza, Circaholics Anonymous will be mixing fire twirling with inventive circus practices to deliver a breathtaking and dangerous show. Details of the show are quite secretive, but founder, managing director and performer Calvin Grant reveals a few highlights.
‘We have a set of fire nun chucks this year,’ said Grant. ‘There’s also a pair of fire boots so we will be performing with our feet ablaze the entire time, and then we’ve also got colour fire as well.’
Circaholics Anonymous will be performing nine varied shows for those that dare to come along. Punters can watch for free or buy a front-row VIP ticket for $10. This affordability is the group’s way of generating buzz.
‘We want more people to be interested in what we do, to follow the industry itself and get more involved with circus and physical theatre,’ said Grant.
When it comes to shows that cost, choosing the right one from the vast amount on offer could be tricky. The best way to make a selection is by heading to Friday Fringe Tease on Fridays at the Emerald City or Slapdash Song Night on Sundays at Eliza’s Juke Joint for previews of various festival shows. Both events are free.
With all these options, the Sydney Fringe Festival is guaranteed to entertain and fascinate all through the month of September, without blowing anyone’s budget. What a relief.
The Sydney Fringe Festival runs from 6-29 September. Most tickets are under $30 and are on sale now through the official Sydney Fringe Festival website or by calling (02) 9020 69 80.
A comprehensive guide to programmed events is also available on the website. Events can be searched for through genre, location, venue or date.
(Pictured: ‘Circaholics Anonymous’ at Parramatta City, Luna New Year 2013)
