Fringe Festivals have become legendary around their world for the exposure they bring to the live theatrical arts in a world increasingly dominated by the virtual. They are also a ton of fun for anyone with even a passing interest in theater. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is yearly frequented by some of the biggest names in show business for this very reason. Many of the performances are unusual, alternative, and always unforgettable.
English: High Street, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, 2010 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Amsterdam Fringe Festival, first held in 2006, similarly attempts to carve out a niche for itself in the global theatrical sphere by focusing on alternative theater and performance art. Instead of abiding by traditional performance styles, the Amsterdam Fringe aims to remain on the cutting edge. This is why the Fringe was from the beginning intended to coincide with the tail-end of the more classically themed Theater Festival of the Netherlands. It is also why the registration process for the Fringe is open, encouraging input and creativity from all manner of participants. Venues are anything from theaters such as the Bellevue and Rozentheater, to clubs like Melkweg and Paradiso. Unexpected events also pop up on the streets themselves in the form of impromptu "guerrilla theater."
The Amsterdam Fringe runs from September 5th to September 15th this year, feature tens of productions spread out over 25 locations. The productions themselves range from live art, to musical theater, to comedy to dance. Moreover, there is a "language no problem" program meaning wherever you see the "LNP" sign the shows will either be in English or make no use of words or language at all. As a result around 50% of the performances are accessible for non-Dutch speakers.
To purchase tickets you can either go to the festival's website and pay online, scoop them up 30 minutes prior to curtain time (if indeed tickets are still available), or at the Fringe Box office (in a tent near Leidseplein) which is open for the duration of the festival from 12:00 until 22:00. Most performances cost a very reasonable 11 euro, or are a meer 7 euro if the performance is under 30 minutes.
© 2013, Amsterdam City Tours Blog. All rights reserved. On republishing any part of this post, you must provide a link back to this original post
