Get ready to ‘Turn Towards the Heat’ because that’s the theme for this year's Melbourne Fringe Festival. Returning from September 29 to October 18, it’s three weeks of audacious art, kooky performance and out-there experiences at venues across Melbourne and beyond.
Best of all, it gives independent artists a platform to experiment, take risks and tell stories from the margins.
Given this year’s theme, expect boundary-pushing performances and genre-defying works that challenge expectations and spark curiosity. And it all kicks off with the Opening Night Gala at the Capitol Theatre on September 29, hosted by Michelle Brasier.
Celebrating its 10th season, Deadly Fringe showcases bold new First Nations work. Don't miss Dhandha/Campfire by Joel Bray Dance, a free participatory installation at Fed Square combining light, sound, sculpture and daily performance rituals around a sculptural campfire. Also look out for Ocker by Na Djinang Circus, a free roving circus spectacular, and Estuary by Ngioka Bunda-Heath, a dance duet exploring identity and connection to Country.
Accessibility takes centre stage with Radical Access, which challenges artists to rethink how art can be made and experienced. Among the highlights is Manifesto of Silences by Irene Holub, a deaf-led work that combines sign language, movement, projection and immersive sound to explore deaf histories.
The Passport program allows you to travel the world without leaving Melbourne. Featuring international artists from Canada, the UK, Ireland and the US, it includes the electro-punk puppet nightmare Slugs, award-winning comedy Philosophy of the World and surrealist solo show QFWFQ.
There’s plenty that won’t cost a cent, including Circus Fire Spectacular! by Zap Circus featuring acrobatics and fire at Prahran Square. Meanwhile, Congress by All the Queens Men returns almost a decade after its debut, offering a ritualised performance that questions who gets a voice in contemporary political systems.
And for the first time, Fringe heads to Ballarat for an encore season from October 22–25, featuring regional-exclusive events alongside favourites from the Melbourne program.
Keen to step out of your comfort zone? Take a look at the program and lock in your tickets via the Melbourne Fringe website.
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