The 30th anniversary edition of the Dublin Fringe Festival takes place from September 7-22 in venues across Dublin. Bridget Webster, Executive Producer of CoisCéim Dance Theatre, shares her top five recommendations for this year’s festival …
Ever since 1994, Dublin Fringe Festival has been the place where I stretch my head in new directions to be challenged, inspired and entertained. I keenly anticipate the programme every year to scour for the unknown, the edgy, the odd. So with that in mind here are the top five shows that I am looking forward to…
1 Earth Sonnet
I love performance that transcends traditional boundaries so Earth Sonnet by Mel Mercier is right up my street. Based on seven new sonnets from renowned Irish poets: Jane Clarke, John FitzGerald, Kayssie K, Aifric Mac Aodha, Paul Muldoon, Gerry Murphy, and Simon Ó Faoláin, this song cycle is a reflection on our changing natural world. It features performances by singers Iarla Ó Lionáird and Caoimhe Ní Fhlatharta, actor Mikel Murfi, and the MÓNCKK ensemble. Earth Sonnet, September 13 & 14, at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, 5 Merrion Square North. Tickets available here.
2. Afterwards
A highly relevant new play by Janet Moran. Inaugural Emma O’Kane Bursary recipient Kate Stanley Brennan is in the cast. And with a stellar creative team, Afterwards is a relevant new play that examines the repercussions of Repeal the 8th, a movement that has transformed culture, and resonates globally with the ongoing challenges surrounding reproductive rights. Afterwards, various dates from September 6 to 13, at the Peacock Stage at the Abbey Theatre. Tickets here.
3. Pagan
My jump into the unknown at this year’s festival is Pagan – I am eager to discover more about composer BK Pepper, who will be showcasing his new piece, Pagan, in collaboration with Italian AI visual artist Katsukokoiso. The performance is set to deliver a captivating fusion of live music and visual art, featuring moving compositions with piano, strings, brass, and electronics, accompanied by stunning visuals. Pagan, September 12-14, Chapel Royal at Dublin Castle. Tickets here.
4. B.S Incorporated: We’re Serving Climate
I’ve heard that the Broad Strokes team are “good, really good” so now’s my chance to see for myself. In this performance they will create a completely improvised presentation based on material they’ve never encountered before – and address the climate crisis in 60 minutes. The show notes advise us to brace ourselves for “scandals, allegations, corporate backstabbing … and loud noises”… what more could you ask of a Fringe show. B.S Incorporated: We’re Serving Climate, September 13 & 14, Smock Alley Theatre. Tickets here.
5.CABARET | Sexytadgh: Television & Marty Breen: Bitch
This year’s big birthday Fringe is packed with great cabaret and I’ll be checking out Marty Breen’s Bitch (September 11 to 15, Bewleys Cafe Theatre. Tickets here) and 2023 Radical Spirit Award winner, Sexytadgh’s Television (September 6 to 13, Project Arts Centre. Tickets here.)
6. Dancehall Blues
Finally, no list of mine would be complete without a shout out to audiences to come and experience our very own DanceHall Blues, a new duet by David Bolger. As dusk descends over Dublin we are inviting you into our home in Fairview. This landmark building will transform into the pulsating heartbeat of the city, bringing together Stephanie Dufresne and Alex O’Neill, two of Ireland’s most exciting dancers, for the first time, in this enigmatic duet that grooves between hope and the dystopia of an angry world. September 6 to 21, CoisCéim Studio, 42 Fairview Strand. Tickets here.
Dublin Fringe Festival 2024 takes place from Saturday September 7 to Sunday September 22 2024. To view the full programme of events visit www.fringefest.com.
