The ‘show will go on’ is the official theme for the 2022 Adelaide Fringe, which officially kicks off today, marking the start of the most anticipated and captivating arts festival in Australia.
Over 6000 artists from across the world, performing in over 1000 shows, will perform on stages in Adelaide over the next month, offering shows across 13 different genres, over 31 incredible summer nights. The biggest arts festival in Australia truly does have something for absolutely everyone. The festival is also welcome relief for thousands of performers and revellers at a time when they need it the most.
To mark the official opening and to celebrate the launch of the Adelaide Fringe Reconciliation Action Plan, Adelaide Fringe is tonight holding Welcome Ceremony – Kumangka Palti Yerta. Upon the unceded sovereign lands of the Kaurna people, audiences are invited to gather and join in a story of ceremony, told through dance.
Tarntanyangga/Victoria Square will host a spectacular of First Nations dancers from across South Australia at 4.30pm.
Like 2021, audiences can get their Fringe fix at over 350 venues across the entire state, ranging from outdoor
arenas and amphitheatres, laneways, theatres and tents in and around the CBD, as well as from the comfort
of your own lounge room via the watch from home option.
Adelaide Fringe Director and CEO Heather Croall said there is no better time to support the artists, highlighting the event as an integral part of the industry, state and the general health and wellbeing recovery from COVID-19.
“We are thrilled to officially launch the 2022 Adelaide Fringe season! There are so many people who have worked incredibly hard to bring this beloved festival to life – from our entire Fringe team to the artists who breathe life into their shows, and all the venues to ensure everyone can enjoy a COVID-safe festival,” Ms Croall said.
“Ahead of opening weekend, the box office is 5 per cent up on the same time as last year, which is showing huge audience enthusiasm and excitement. We’ve got 72 new venues and 618 new shows, theatre, music, art, cabaret, comedy – the list is endless, and it all starts tonight.
“While we have faced many challenging times, it is so inspiring to see the resilience of artists – they have been forced to adapt and continue their quest to entertain people. Now is the time for the community to get back out and support our artists and local businesses and ensure the long-term sustainability of the festival.”
All Fringe venues are selling to 75 per cent capacity in line with their COVID Safe or COVID Management Plans, they are always socially distanced and within government guidelines.
“Audiences can feel confident in the safety of the festival with all Fringe venues having COVID Management Plans and COVID Safe Plans signed off by SA Health. These plans will determine the capacity of shows, the seating setup and whether the venue is requiring proof of double vaccination or an exemption, to ensure a COVID-safe Fringe is presented. Fringe encourages audiences to listen to venue staff and be vigilant with social distancing.”
Navigating the Adelaide Fringe website is easier than ever thanks to the various filters to search for shows, themes, genres and venues, including open-air venues, while the Daily Program function and a new MyFringe Planner feature, presented by BankSA, ensures you will avoid clashes when planning your Fringe!
“We also urge audiences to purchase tickets early to ensure they don’t miss out on their favourite shows, with over 50 shows already sold out ahead of opening weekend,” Ms Croall said.
The Fringe caravan also hits the road in 2022, bringing a taste of the four-week festival to suburban and regional destinations within South Australia including Murray Bridge, Victor Harbor, Naracoorte, the River, Kingston SE and Whyalla.
BankSA State General Manager Consumer, Ben Owen, said in backing the Fringe for the 17th year as Principal Partner, BankSA was focussed on making it more affordable for South Australians to go to the Fringe and support artists with a range of discounted ticketing available.
“We’re encouraging South Australians to embrace the Fringe and in doing so, also support local businesses and the economy,” said Mr Owen.
The BankSA Cardholder 25 percent off initiative continues, as does the support for new artists performing at Fringe with BankSA Support Acts. Audiences can buy tickets for $10 and BankSA reimburses the artists the full ticket amount. These tickets are always snapped up quickly, so don’t wait!
The year, Adelaide Metro is making it easier than ever to travel to Fringe! Starting tomorrow, you can travel free on-board Adelaide Metro services from midday Fridays until midnight Sundays, ending Sunday 20 March.
Adelaide Fringe has been supported by funding through the RISE program this year, and some of the works possible through this include a continuation of more than six years of immersive projection and lighting displays that Fringe has become renowned for. The Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund is an Australian Government initiative.
Fringe highlights include: Sky Song – Where state-of-the-art technology meets ancient songlines and storytelling. Featuring a swarm of hundreds of drones flying in majestic formation above a colossal 60m wide screen projection.
Electric Dreams: VR Swings “Volo: Dreams of Flight” – Wearing a VR headset as they swing, riders are transported into exhilarating dream experiences, with four iconic flying machines to choose from, each offering a different sensation of flight.
The 2022 Adelaide Fringe is on from 18 February to 20 March. Visit: adelaidefringe.com.au
