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FRINGE
FOREWORD

Presenting an arts festival in the midst of a global pandemic feels, in some way, like a quiet riot.

When we decided on the theme of Quiet Riot for Fringe 2021, our intention was to feature art that explores meaningful transformation and revolutionary change, attained through dogged and peaceful resistance. We wanted to reflect and amplify the voices of people around the world who have been rising up to speak truth to power, and whose struggles demonstrate a celebration of diversity and inventiveness.

Fast forward to the present, and we are living in a world buffeted by multiple volatile crises—COVID-19, climate emergency, economic depression, the rise of authoritarianism, escalation of social injustice. Suddenly, resistance no longer seems like an option; it is a necessity.

With this in mind, the Fringe Team has curated an exciting programme of works and events that respond to our theme in myriad ways, but all with a sense of exigency and hope despite the odds. Works such as Koh Wan Ching and Andrew Sutherland’s a line could be crossed…,  Brian Gothong Tan and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts’ Havoc Girls & Kamikaze Boys, and The Lost Post Initiative’s i am not here draw their inspiration from global phenomena, upheaval and movements. Resistance on personal and cultural fronts are explored in productions such as Pandan by Rupa co.lab, I, Frida by Ay! Caramba Theatre, Snow Whitening Revisited by New Cambodian Artists, and WAN BELANTARA: Enjet-Enjet Semut by Saiful Amri and Anwar Ramli Hadi. Meanwhile, Offstage 3.0 by Emergency Stairs delves into the quiet riots against form, codes and norms.

For the first time, the Fringe will also present a webinar as part of our line-up. Quiet Riot: Agitating For Change From Within will feature young female changemakers and activists who have persisted in their journeys for social justice whilst working with or within institutions.

We are acutely aware that the pandemic may mean restrictions on audiences in the theatres. At the same time, we want to ensure that everyone can have access to the Fringe. As such, all productions will be presented live as well as via digital streaming. In addition, we are collaborating with our Official Accessibility Partner Equal Dreams to widen accessibility and inclusivity of the festival for all, including those with disabilities.

In these uncertain times, art can play a key role in inspiring hope and igniting regeneration and positive change. We invite you to rise up and join us in our movement.

Quiet Riot.

20 to 31 January 2021.

 

In solidarity,
The Fringe Team

FRINGE
FOREWORD

Presenting an arts festival during a global pandemic feels somewhat like a quiet riot.

We intended for Fringe 2021: Quiet Riot to feature art about meaningful change achieved through peaceful resistance. We wanted to focus on those who have boldly stood up to power to speak the truth. We believed their struggle was one for diverse voices.

But today, the world is facing so much instability: from COVID-19, climate change, economic depression, tyranny, and social strife. Suddenly, resistance no longer seems like an option; it is a necessity.

With this in mind, we have programmed works that respond to our theme in different ways, with urgency but also with hope. There are three main strands in the programming:

Works Inspired by Global Crises

  • Koh Wan Ching and Andrew Sutherland’s a line could be crossed…
  • Brian Gothong Tan and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts’ Havoc Girls & Kamikaze Boys
  • The Lost Post Initiative’s i am not here

 

Works About Resistance on Personal and Cultural Fronts

  • Pandan by Rupa co.lab
  • I, Frida by Ay! Caramba Theatre
  • Snow Whitening Revisited by New Cambodian Artists
  • WAN BELANTARA: Enjet-Enjet Semut by Saiful Amri and Anwar Ramli Hadi.

 

Works Rebelling Against Performance Forms and Codes

  • Offstage 3.0 by Emergency Stairs

 

For the first time, the Fringe will also present a webinar as part of our line-up. Quiet Riot: Agitating For Change From Within will feature young female changemakers. They will share their experience of fighting for more fairness within our system.

Because of the pandemic, we know access to the theatres will be limited. But we want to ensure that everyone can enjoy the Fringe programmes. As such, all productions will be presented live as well as via digital streaming. We are working with our Official Accessibility Partner Equal Dreams to make the Fringe as inclusive as possible.

In these uncertain times, art can play a key role to inspire hope and positive change. We invite you to rise up and join us in our movement.

Quiet Riot.
20 to 31 January 2021.

 

In solidarity,
The Fringe Team