The Courtyard of Curiosities at the Migration Museum is an oasis for artists and audience away from the bustle of the East End.

The Migration Museum’s Courtyard of Curiosities immediately captivated audiences and attracted artists when it became a Fringe venue in 2022.

Graphic designer and mural artist Nick Phillips wanted to incorporate a Yurt into the Fringe, and the Migration Museum jumped at the chance and made it the focal point of its courtyard offering.

Nick says artists are drawn to The Courtyard of Curiosities because it offers a nurturing environment for their ideas to flourish in front of audiences.

“We have seasoned performers who really like the intimate atmosphere we have, so they can be close to the audience,” he says.

The traditional Yurt, meticulously hand-built from wood and canvas, has no central pole so the audience has clear sight of the stage.

The yurt in the happening Courtyard of Curiosities. This picture: Chloe Elizabeth

This year the Yurt is hosting Confessions of a Boba Liberalist, starring Juanita Navas-Nguyen.

“The content of my show is extremely personal, so being up close and personal with the audience feels like we are hanging out in my room having a conversation,” Juanita says.

Confessions of a Boba Liberalist follows Juanita as she talks about her own life experiences and her relationship with her own cultural identity.

The Courtyard of Curiosities has other performance spaces, including the Chapel and Gallery venues, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.

“The Courtyard is run by artists; I heard about the Courtyard and saw some shows last year,” Juanita says.

“It is a nice little community. It still has the Fringy vibe, but it is away from the chaos of the Garden and Gluttony.”

Juanita Navas-Nyugen has performed with South Australia’s State Theatre Company previously, and Confessions of a Boba Liberalist is her Fringe debut. This picture: supplied.

For those seeking an exhilarating experience, the Cells offer a one-of-a-kind escape room adventure, with heavy lockable doors and an iron gate adding to the intrigue.

Are you ready to make your escape? This picture: Kimberly Murray

There’s also a bunch of food vendors and a van bar.

“We will have the van bar again, and food vendors,  Two Fat Blokes Pizza and Poffertjes Parlour on the weekend,” Nick says.

The Courtyard of Curiosities at Fringe is hosting 53 Fringe events across cabaret, interactive, comedy, music, children and family, workshops from 16 February to 17 March.