Nelson Fringe Festival hits double figures in March and its most comprehensive lineup to date promises a ten out of ten for its 10th anniversary.
Brought to light last Wednesday, around 60 theatre, comedy, cabaret, music, poetry, improv, and puppetry shows from international, national, and local acts are set to wow audiences from 5 to 14 March at venues like the Red Door Theatre, Yaza Cafe and The Refinery.
Director Giles Burton says the festival’s hour-long, diverse shows present a performing arts degustation, with affordable ticket prices supporting an “organic growth”.
“What makes the Fringe unique in Nelson is that we’re seeing a great number of alternative, interesting shows coming in, and great work which otherwise wouldn’t get a chance to perform within Nelson,” he says.
“I do think that audiences have picked up a little bit around the country, so hopefully that will continue to happen here.”
Giles says international acts from as far afield as Zimbabwe and India are travelling to Whakatū for the event, and Akiko Miyamoto, a master puppeteer, and actress Helen Moulder are the Nelsonian acts who will be ones to watch.
Their performance, Forbibben Love – The Tale of Oshichi, tells a true story from 17th century Japan about a greengrocer’s daughter who falls in love with a Samurai’s son, with tragic consequences.
It also follows Julia, a New Zealand woman in her 70s who encounters Oshichi’s story while in Tokyo.
“I think they’re gonna be really exciting, both of them are fantastic performers, and the combination of Helen’s classical European style and Akiko’s Japanese puppetry is going to be something really cracking,” he says.
For the full schedule and tickets, visit www.nelsonfringe.co.nz
