Philadelphia Fringe has long been known for the breath of its offerings. It has attracted artists from a wide range of media and an even wider range of quality. Fortunately, with it’s wedding to the more polished Live Arts Theatre Festival still fresh, Fringe goers this year can look forward to truly groundbreaking work of every possible type. What follows is just a taste of what fringe has to offer the festival t theatre goer this year:
eight choreographers / eight new works
Live arts headline series features new dance pieces by young, exciting Philadelphia choreographers. Shavon Norris, Jumatatu Poe, Daniele Strawmyre are among the artist showcasing work exploring the richness of existence, the traditions of the church and good old blood horror respectively.
http://www.livearts-fringe.org/details.cfm?id=12961
http://www.livearts-fringe.org/details.cfm?id=12957
http://www.livearts-fringe.org/details.cfm?id=12965
A New Shade of Blue:
As a tribute to Billie Holiday, several legendary ladies of jazz, and other contributing artists, Destiny Productions Theater Ensemble offers a stirring performance of singing, acting, and dancing that is sure to entertain, educate, and inspire, while providing nostalgic moments from the Harlem Renaissance.
http://www.livearts-fringe.org/details.cfm?id=13214
Statements After an Arrest Under the Immorality Act
Interracial relationships are explored within the context of Aparteid-era south African in this DysFUNctional Theater play. From the description: “Private lives invaded, exposed, illuminated. In a frightening dystopia that may be apartheid-era South Africa, a black man and a white woman risk the dangers of illegal love. Shocking, powerful. The personal is political.”
http://www.livearts-fringe.org/details.cfm?id=13501
Stew and The Negro Problem
In a proformance sure to please bronet followers, Stew and the Negro Problem will be performing a full set from their Tony Award winning musical, Passing Strange, as well as work from a new production.
Led by Stew and Obie award-winning Heidi Rodewald, this Afro Baroque cabaret ensemble is coveted for their literate precision, sly humor, and deep emotional resonance, hovering between the divergent worlds of rock and theater. Stew’s performances have been compared in the same breath with Kurt Weill, Burt Bacharach, and Jackie Gleason.
Also featured is a free screening of Spike Lee’s film version of Passing Strange on September 9th.
http://www.livearts-fringe.org/details.cfm?id=12856
For more information on these and many other Fringe events, visit them at www.livearts-fringe.org.
