Auckland Fringe is Back And It is Razor Sharp

Auckland Fringe is Back And It is Razor Sharp

We definitely look better with a Fringe.

We have time machines, failed rock bands, surprising lift encounters, jelly setting, water nymphs, Shakespeare, the Chatham Islands, speed dating and a men’s knitting group. Yep – they are all in the Auckland Fringe!

The second ever Auckland Fringe runs from February 25th – March 13, it will sprawl its way around the Auckland region from the Waitakere ranges to Waiheke Island.

For two electrifying weeks over 100 events will be squeezed into theatres, gardens, galleries, lounge rooms, lifts and alleyways. Artists from across the country and from the international stage will present fresh, creative work that is guaranteed to entertain audiences from Auckland’s North, South, East and West. The shows will range from the hilarious and absurd, to the touching and heart warming to the just downright entertaining!

The call-out to artists was made in June last year, there was a huge response from the Auckland arts community, with emerging performers and art practitioners wanting to share their diverse talents in cabaret/burlesque, comedy, dance, theatre, music, and visual arts, which has resulted in an immensely varied and interesting programme.

The first Auckland Fringe in 2009 had impressive audience numbers, with 10,000 paid ticket buyers watching 75 shows performed by 900 artists, with an estimated 30,000 people accounted for in non-ticketed (free or koha) events. Auckland Fringe 2011 looks to eclipse those figures and continue to grow within the city.

In addition to the huge line up of shows, 2011 also sees two new initiatives take place – an opening weekend event, Fringe in the Park, at Myers Park on February 26th to kick off the festival, and a Fringe Awards Ceremony at the end of the festival; these inaugural awards will recognise the Fringe artistic endeavours and excellence.

Events around the city that will kick the Auckland Fringe in to gear include:

• OPENING EVENT - Fringe in the Park – Myers Park – Feb 26th, 2pm-6pm. Free.
Installations, live opera, pole dancing and hula hooping in the sunshine, an opportunity to be part of a live art project and masses of performances by Auckland Fringe acts. There will also be a horse and cardboard box war !

• Auckland Fringe on Waiheke – Stefanos Restaurant – Waiheke Island – Feb 25th –March 13th.
DJ dance nights, a capella choirs, clowns and children's story telling, improvised theatre, a sizzling burlesque show, and live music featuring Waihetian mambo jazz band Chocolate Fish and acoustic blues rock favourites The Mojo Risers.

• Pacific Fringe – Mangere Arts Centre – Feb 25th –Feb 27th.
A weekend of Pacific performance, visual art and tradition, take this opportunity to experience the richness of South Auckland’s Pacific diaspora with this weekend packed full of art and entertainment.

• Soul Sessions - Myers Park - Saturday March 5 - Midday – 6.00pm
Check out a bunch of established and emerging artists featuring members of the Cut Collective, Cinzah Merkens and others, painting live to a soundtrack provided by Peter Mac, Ed G and more. It’s a chance to soak up contemporary, artistic action and sweet sounds in one of the CBD's finest parks.

This is just a small taste of the wild assortment of entertainment that is on offer this year in the Auckland Fringe. For more information visit www.aucklandfringe.co.nz

Key Dates
February 25 – March 13 2011 – AUCKLAND FRINGE
February 26 2011 – Auckland Fringe opening event

www.aucklandfringe.co.nz

ENDS

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