Overview
As most things did in 2020, Sydney Fringe Festival went digital last year, adapting to a period unlike any other in the event's history. In 2021, it's also following the prevailing trend — this time by returning with a physical month-long fest.
That said, this festival isn't known for going with the flow. Its program always proves eclectic and varied and, when it drops in July, this year's is bound to be no different. For now, however, event organisers have detailed a few aspects of the fest that Sydneysiders can look forward to between Wednesday, September 1–Thursday, September 30.
Performances, exhibitions, music, theatre, comedy, visual arts, film, dance, circus, literature and poetry — they'll all be covered when the complete lineup drops. If you're particularly interested in locally made theatre productions and cabaret, dance and musicals, though, you'll be heading to hubs dedicated to each. The Young Henry's Made in Sydney Hub will set up shop at PACT in Erskineville, and focus on works by independent Sydney theatre makers that are ready to tour. As for the City Tatts Musical Theatre and Cabaret Hub, it'll be based in the Segars Ballroom and Omega Lounge at City Tattersalls Club on Pitt Street, and also include a pop-up wine bar by Innocent Bystander.
Seiya Taguchi
A development program called Art in Isolation will be part of this year's Sydney Fringe Festival, too, featuring works that ruminate on life in the time of COVID-19. An ongoing initiative, it started commissioning and funding 20 artists back in September 2020, with the latest pieces set to premier at this year's fest — at another new hub that's all about experimental and cross artform programming, to be located at Mothership Studios in Sydenham.
Other parts of the 2021 include weekly AUSLan-interpreted performances every Monday at Darlinghurst Theatre Company, plus a brand new program for kids — complete with a silent disco at Darling Quarter for young Fringe-goers. The Touring Hub will once again take over Fringe headquarters in Newtown to present must-see shows from international and interstate festivals, and the laughs will flow at Fringe Comedy at The Factory Theatre in Marrickville. Plus, the set-to-be-revamped Erskineville Town Hall will play host to the Emerging Artist Touring Hub.
Sydney Fringe Festival 2021 will take place between Wednesday, September 1–Thursday, September 30, with the event's full program set to be announced in July. For further information in the interim, head to the fest's website.