Is Fringe the new ‘Main’?

‘Fringe’ is the latest buzzword at the National Arts Festival, which has returned to Grahamstown for the 35^th year this year.

The showcase of well-known and aspiring performers has always been categorised into two The Main, whose performers are vetted, invited and paid for by the National Arts Festival; and the Fringe, which attracts those whose only link to officialdom filling a registration form, paying a refundable registration fee, and paying a venue fee for their production.

National Arts Festival CEO, Tony Lankester, said the Fringe serves as an open platform and a “stepping stone” for upcoming artists. Of this year’s 600 productions, Fringe has 450 shows, by far the largest part of the festival—and includes physical theatre, music theatre and drama.

• Reporting and writing by Lwando Helesi, Hunadi Ralebipi, Samukelisiwe Makhubo, Bongani Mthethwa.