Edmonton celebrates 42nd Fringe Festival
Posted August 9, 2023 7:21 pm.
The answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything is 42 years of Fringe. The Edmonton Fringe Festival is set for another year and if you’re wondering what the theme is — you might want to brush up on the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.
“The beautiful thing about Edmonton is the fact that they make theater for the community and that’s what fringe does. It’s for the community, it’s for the people. It’s accessible and it’s fun,” said Giulia Romano, the Director of Train One to Coal Valley.
For artists like Romano — the oldest, and biggest Fringe Festival in North America is a place for local, and international artist to come together.
“It’s a wonderful, wonderful festival that gives amazing opportunities for emerging artists like myself and my whole team.”
Edmontonians started lining up for tickets at noon Wednesday, the moment they went on sale. By mid afternoon, the website for tickets crashing.
Our ticketing website & phones are currently having… a Time. A fun time? Well. A time…
We're currently recommending checking back later this evening or tomorrow if you still have to purchase your tickets! Thank you for your understanding – we're
— Edmonton Fringe (@edmontonfringe) August 9, 2023
“It’s something about that, that unfettered energy that is such a draw and a collision of the audience and the artist. It’s so magical,” said Murray Utas / Artistic Director, Edmonton Fringe
Some acts are already in character.
“There’s no rats in Alberta, we’re the only ones left. And this is a very important story about friendship and why rats need to be back in Alberta,” said Fingers & Shrimp, performers with Rat Academy.
The fringe runs from August 17 to 27 in Old Strathcona. This year, featuring over 180 acts, just like Rat Academy.
“[Fingers] We get to see everyone we like, and we get to see some things that are neat and people will, we come together and give lots of hugs. [Shrimp] It’s a very good time I love everyone here you should come, definitely come.”