Best Ever Fringe – 6 years in, and each year gets better. This year, I managed to see 11 of the 30, plus Visual Fringe – the art show. I completely missed Film Fringe. It would be great if they’d show those later on, maybe through Cincinnati World Cinema.
I made It Might Be Okay my Pick of The Fringe. A lot of the same themes other artists worked from (interesting how artists pick up what’s out there in the ethers, not yet articulated, and put it in front of us), but with a more hopeful note. I completely loved the winner, though. The Edge – edgy (which is to say Fringe-y) in all kinds of ways, and incredible performances.
I also loved the Critics and Producers Picks, too. 7 (x1) Samurai was a tour de force mime of Kurosawa – 1 guy, 2 masks – and he filled the stage with bandits, samurai, villagers, horses, buildings. Amazing. And Empire of Feathers by Giant Bird – those three guys were everywhere, being appreciated and lauded by everyone for their innovative, creative, low budget hilarity. A great time.
I also loved the Fringe’s goal – we’re not the biggest, but we are going to be the friendliest. The performers really blossomed with that kind of support. Next year, from June 1 to June 12, I’m going to be vacationing at The Fringe. Then I’ll get to see and do it all. And I know Year 7 will be as over the top as this year’s was.