CityMag

InDaily

SA Life

Get CityMag in your inbox. Subscribe
February 15, 2024
Culture

Fresh to the Fringe: shows to see this season

Have you been circling your programs and writing Fringe show hit lists? Here are some artists making their Adelaide debut that you shouldn't miss.

Adelaide Fringe debut
  • Words: Estee Loke
  • Graphic: Jayde Vandborg
  • Pictures: supplied

Not All Men

Amy Wood, Director of Burst Productions

Not All Men is the first Fringe show from Burst Theatre Company, established by Adelaide-born artist Amy Wood to tell women’s stories.

Not All Men uses dark comedy to delve into the complexities of gender dynamics, challenge societal norms, and confront the pervasive issue of casual misogyny. It’s a play following Scott, who is navigating a new relationship but has a dilemma: his girlfriend’s best friend seems to have it out for him.

Co-written by Amy and her long-time friend and director, Sarah Huefer, Not All Men was crafted through years of real-life experiences and conversations. It’s told through riveting experiences that shed light on its pervasive and dangerous nature in the casual dehumanisation of women. It ignites crucial conversations about accountability, privilege and the urgent need for change.

The characters are flawed and they are all too familiar, with the writers hoping the audience recognises people they know in them. Not All Men is an unflinching and unapologetic view of misogyny with a promise of an epic ending.

Not All Men is showing at The Warehouse Theatre from March 14 to March 17. Tickets are available via the Adelaide Fringe website.

Welcome to the Internet

Step into the digital abyss with Welcome To The Internet – an exploration of the online world like no other. This immersive theatrical experience promises to be a tour de force of technology and artistry, offering a captivating glimpse into the complexities and perils of cyberspace.

Witness the journey of a malfunctioning search engine that somehow ends up in the darkest corners of the internet. Reflect on the themes of cyber safety and human interactions as you discover the labyrinth of questionable NSFW bytes and pixels that shape our world.

In her first-ever one-person show, Abbey Dale says “audiences can expect shock and discomfort as the show challenges the notion of politeness through art”.

The show calls to action the confrontation of the uncomfortable truths of the online culture and empowers audiences to prioritise genuine human interaction over digital consumption.

Welcome to the Internet is showing at The Warehouse Theatre on February 25, March 10, 16 and 17. Tickets are available via the Adelaide Fringe website.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3SEPy_p_qV/

Confessions of a Boba Liberalist

From journal entries in drama school to pivotal moments in life, Juanita Navas-Nguyen presents her first independent theatre work, an unfiltered and authentic tale of identity and self-discovery.

Confessions of a Boba Liberalist is a story that challenges stereotypes and celebrates the complexities of individuality. It takes a bold stand advocating for stories that reflect the richness of human experience through navigating the complexities of being mixed-race while growing up in Adelaide. This production explores the perception of self-image and is a raw expression of personal vision, unencumbered by external influences.

As an artist who is a person of colour, Juanita aims to create a sense of community and connection through her storytelling in a world where diverse voices are often marginalised.

While set against the familiar backdrop of Adelaide, this story resonates universally, fostering a connection beyond geographical boundaries.

Confessions of a Boba Liberalist is showing at The Yurt at The Courtyard of Curiosities at the Migration Museum from February 16 to 18, March 3, and March 16 and 17. Get your tickets here.

Same Words

Embark on a new chapter of Same Words in its Australian debut. This unique format of musical performance blurs the boundaries as it incorporates elements of jazz, R&B, pop, spoken word and hip-hop.

Vincy Chan portrays a fascinating story of migration and queerness while grappling with the complexities of capitalism through a fusion of storytelling and music. As a testament to authenticity and vulnerability, audiences will be encouraged to engage with and even heckle Vincy.

This show is a symbol of overcoming guilt and grief, reclaiming the joy of music, and finding solace in creative expression amidst the shadows of Covid-induced disruptions and personal turmoil.

Same Words is on at The Chapel at The Courtyard of Curiosities at the Migration Museum from February 23 to 25. Get your tickets here.

O.M.A.G.E.E

OMG that’s a lot of feathers

Navigate through the world of cults with O.M.A.G.E.E: The Optimal Mind Association for Getting Everything Excellent.

Inspired by real-life events, this show blends humour and absurdity, challenging stereotypes and sparking introspection. After a tremendously successful debut in London, O.M.A.G.E.E, an Australian comedy about cults, is making its Australian debut in Adelaide.

A theatrical performance that promises to be a roller coaster of emotions, ideas and a fresh new perspective, O.M.A.G.E.E invites audiences on an epic journey through the depths of human nature. The show’s creative force, Jessica Zerlina Leafe, invites audiences on a ride of “truth-hitting, absurd whirlwind kind of human connection”.

Cult-ify your 2024 Fringe experience with this one-person spectacle that definitely does not include people in capes or strange rituals.

O.M.A.G.E.E is showing at Dom Polski Jeden at Dom Polski only from February 19 to 25. Get your tickets here.

Intolerant

This is not your usual cabaret. Intolerant is a rich tapestry of storytelling woven seamlessly into a cabaret journey filled with laughter and pain.

Following a successful stint at the Melbourne Fringe, this vibrant and unyielding show heads to Fringe for its Adelaide debut. It is a fusion of life, from pop and jazz to food allergies and health struggles. Intolerant is a raw and personal perspective from writer and performer Uma Dobia as she navigates life’s challenges and what it means to be different.

“It’s navigating the world while looking for danger in every crack,” Uma says.

Despite the heavy topics of adversity and illness, this cabaret promises to make audiences laugh. It is a testament to finding humour in life’s darkest moments and celebrating resilience.

Intolerant is showing at Prompt Creative Centre from March 2 to 5 and March 9 to 10. Get your tickets here.

I’m a Refugee … Get Me Out of Here!

“It’s a fun origin story about loving life as a refugee.”

That is how Samuel Gebreselassie describes his comedy debut, I’m a Refugee … Get Me Out of Here!

It is an origin tale of resilience and adaptation that mirrors the joys and struggles of countless migrants worldwide. Embark on this journey, spanning generations and countries, from Ethiopia and Sudan to New Zealand to Australia.

Discover what it means to bridge the cultural divide through storytelling and understand the importance of diversity in our community. Using laughter as a tool, this comedy aims to be a powerful vehicle for exploring the intricacies of immigrant life. Tackling racism and dispelling misconceptions, the show will offer a multifaceted perspective of experiences in migration and refugees.

I’m a Refugee … Get Me Out of Here! is showing at Alley Cat at the Rhino Room from February 27 to March 2. Tickets are available via the Adelaide Fringe website. 

Share —