Key Takeaways:
- Since its previous complete introduction in 2019 before COVID-19, the festival has undergone several alterations. It started on July 31 and ran through August 6.
- There is no one way to enjoy Fringe Fest, although Smith says it’s better to split your time across several places.
For a second time, the Saskatoon Fringe Festival will spend ten days in Bridge City.
The festival began on July 31 and ran through August 6, and has experienced various adjustments since its previous complete launch in 2019 before COVID-19.
The event is primarily taking place at W.E. Graham Park behind Victoria School like last year, opting for some epidemic holdovers. 11th Street East is the only route closed for the festival instead of taking up Broadway Ave for almost half a month.
Anita Smith, artistic and executive director of 25th Street Theatre, explained, “we’ve adjusted our focus a little bit, and this just meets our requirements better.” We still have 11th Street and this lovely green area where we can welcome people, so I believe we have the best of all worlds.
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Smith sees leaving Broadway as taking advantage of an opportunity rather than scaling back. The epidemic prevented the 2020 festival, which allowed 25th Street to rethink what Fringe Fest would look like.
She claimed that closing Broadway requires a significant amount of effort and money.
To further engage the community with artists, she explained, “by not doing it, we’re able to invest those resources in other places that we feel help.”
18 live performances spread across three venues and 10 internet events featuring international performers from as far afield as Sweden, South Africa, and the United Kingdom help make up the event. Lindsay Istace, a performer, born and raised in Saskatoon, is also returning. The fire and sword swallower, who is now stationed in Edmonton, is content to stay at home and connect with spectators at well-known festivals.
“It’s amazing how eager people are now for entertainment. They are just so eager to participate in your enjoyment and to have fun with you. “It’s magic,” declared Istace.
Having a colorful bio like “Circus geek. Artist. According to her Instagram page, the work responsibilities of a “sword swallowing contortionist with a fire obsession” include some peculiar risks. A steel blade about two feet long can be problematic to swallow.
She said, “There are more astronauts worldwide than people who swallow swords. Incorrect placement of a lung might cause it to collapse. Some people may experience mild bruises or lacerations if their posture is not ideal.
If sword swallowing and fire breathing aren’t your styles, the festival also features live busking performances, theatre performances, art installations, food trucks, and food.
According to Smith, there is no one way to enjoy Fringe Fest, although it’s best to attempt to spread your time across various venues.
It’s like sticking a toe into the art world of the future. What is on the periphery today will be mainstream tomorrow. Therefore, by visiting our website, you’ll have a head start on what’s coming up next,” she stated.
Source: CTV News
