FringeNYC at SUMMER STREETS
Pedestrians to experience FringeNYC in outdoor setting
BY JOEY HOOD
Are you ready for a summer street party?
The New York International Fringe Festival has teamed up with
the New York City Department of Transportation’s Summer Streets 2010 series to
present FringeNYTEASERS amid the hustle and bustle of SoHo streets for three
consecutive Saturdays, from August 7 to August 21.
The FringeNYTEASERS are a way for theater companies to
showcase snippets or previews from their larger narratives, said Britt Lafield,
who serves as a festival administrator for FringeNYC.
“We’ll be
occupying the stage on Spring and Lafayette Street. The companies had an
opportunity to sign up and do a small segment of their show for the public. We
really do try and give them as much opportunity as possible to get the word out
there about their show,” Lafield added.
Meanwhile, FRINGEJR shows will also provide family-friendly
options and interactive children activities, according to NYC DOT’s official
Web site.
|
BOLLYWOOD STAR BRINGS PLAY ON MUMBAI TERRORIST ATTACK TO FringeNYC
BY JOEY HOOD
Vivan Bhatena’s recent career
involved stints in action-heavy popcorn flicks and a veejay gig for MTV
India. Propelled by his dashing
looks and high cheekbones, Bhatena was even pegged for the role of Edward in
his home country’s version of the Twilight series. But time
conflicts and FringeNYC rehearsals for A Personal War prompted a last-minute decision.
“I have opted out of the show
because I had to perform this play, and my dates were clashing,” Bhatena said
in a recent interview with the Hindustan Times.
The play, which debuts
stateside as part of the New York International Fringe Festival on Aug. 15 at
Dixon Place, is based on touching accounts from survivors of the Mumbai
terrorist attacks. The 140-minute show features multimedia elements, heady
subject matter and its share of emotional solace as well.
“We’re raising funds for the
Police Commissioner’s Office and all those people who lost their near and dear
ones during the operation,” Bhatena said.
Almost two years have passed
since the Taj Mahal Hotel bombings known by its date “26/11” to Mumbai city
dwellers. Bhatena says that the storyline has increased global discussion after
Edinburgh Fringe Festival dates and a nomination for the Amnesty International
Award.
“When it was performed at
Edinburgh, Scotland, we met people from Ireland who had only read about the
26/11 attacks as a small snippet in the newspapers. They had no clue of the
scale of the siege,” Bhatena said.
|
FringeAL FRESCO: And Dancin' in the Streets
BY
AVNER KAM “Summer’s here and the time is right for dancin' in the street” goes the famous 60s song. This year, FringeAL FRESCO shows will be about dancing, moving and grooving. FringeNYC veteran Hiram Pines, new collaborator Debora Balardini and other performers will present two pieces: “ Not My Problem” (he said) and “Not Looking Out” (she said).
Debora and Hiram met in a performance class. (Guess who plays the role of teacher?) They discovered a similar affinity for street theater, which is characterized by spontaneity and generosity. All at once, their combined 20-minute works will be surreal, comic, serious and joyful.
“Not My Problem” was inspired by the remains of a fast-food meal thrown out of a speeding car: the iconic gesture of “I don’t care.” Hiram translated his response to a movement piece connecting attitude to gesture.
Cont'd Next Column
|
Click to learn more.
(Continued)
In “Inside, Not Looking Out,” Debora does care; her work focuses on human existence, pondering the presence of masculine and feminine intelligence in both men and women.
Catch these two shows as part of our FringeAL FRESCO 2010 offerings. FringeNYTeasers of these shows will be shown the next three Saturdays on The FringeNYC Stage at Summer Streets (Spring Street and Lafayette) as well as in surprise events. Further details will be available at FringeCENTRAL and can be found on our Twitter feed.
|
