Milk Bar’s Fringe Picks

Since 1983, the annual Melbourne Fringe Festival has brought an array of theatre, comedy, cabaret, music, performance, visual arts, dance and circus to Melbourne. With a broad brush-stroke of performances on the 2011 program, this year has something for everyone.

For those who like to laugh, this year’s festival will host a plethora of stand-up. Hayley Brennan will make some candid confessions about her addiction to Facebook stalking at The Portland Hotel, while Lou Sanz will read her not-so-G rated children’s stories to patrons at The Worker’s Club (27 Sept – 1 Oct). With dozens of comic acts covering the whole spectrum of topics from sharehouses to body image, Melbourne Fringe will amuse even the toughest of crowds.

Alongside comedy is dance, and this year’s selection is sure to evoke a transformative experience for audiences. Prahran’s Space Centre will host a double bill of Temporary Eternity – a physical exploration of time, and 9 Scars – a dance based on nine students who survive a school shooting (22 – 24 Sept). between. The sensory experience of visiting Antarctica will be evoked in Polarity, a performance taking place on the Car Park Roof at Federation Square on 5 – 8 Oct. For a more lighthearted atmosphere, Shut Up and Dance.. 3! will showcase a variety of free radical dancers as they transfer North Melbourne Town Hall into a spectacle of the senses on Friday 7^th October.

Audiences who prefer something a little more seditious than contemporary dance can find it in Fringe’s variety of aural delights. At Loop on 21, 26 and 29 September, electronic musician Miles Philip’s rendition of the dystopian soundtrack to Fritz Lang’s Metropolis will bring a new life to the cinema classic.

For alternative music fans, Melbourne’s Pony Bar will be hosting a series of gigs, including Ausgrind 2011 on Sat 28 Sept – a night of experimental, death metal and grindcore bands from around the nation. Pony Bar also hosts Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing, a cover night on Saturday 8 Oct in which local bands including Kamikaze Trio, YIS and Damn Terran will pay tribute to bands Kyuss, Modern Lovers and The Wipers. Punk icons The Cramps will also be honored at The Tote’s tribute So You Think You Can Cramps! on the same evening, so music fans get ready to make a wild dash across town to cram in as many covers – not to mention pints – as possible.

Dozens of other enthralling experiences will be offered through cabaret, circus, visual art, and special events. Melbourne’s young and upcoming artists are invited to attend several workshops and book launches aimed at inspiring the creative passions of our younger population.

With only a few days until it begins, there is no time to waste – get on to Fringe’s website and get yourself some tickets before they sell out.

Melbourne Fringe Festival runs from  Wednesday 21st September to Sunday 9th October 2011.
For performance times, venue and ticketing information visit: www.melbournefringe.com.au