October 26, 2007

26 October, 2007
2008 NZ FRINGE FESTIVAL CRACKS TONNE   

Fringe 08, the national paragon of artistic virtue and creative goodness, announced today that for the first time ever it has hit the 100 mark for next year’s line-up.

One hundred entries have been received by Fringe 08 for next year’s festival, surpassing last year’s eventual tally of 98 productions. Participants have entered from all over New Zealand and the world.

Fringe 08 director Mark Westerby, who returns after a two-year hiatus, said the ‘century’ milestone showed the importance of Fringe for the New Zealand creative community.

"The Fringe Festival, year to year, is getting stronger, better and bigger. While it’s just a number, getting 100 participants shows just how significant Fringe is in New Zealand.

"The beauty of Fringe is that anyone who wants to give it a go can give a go, meaning there will be all sorts of artistic mayhem hitting the streets," he said.

"So, in keeping with the artistic all-access policy, we’ll be unleashing freaky fashion, four-breasted comedy, familiar strangers on street corners – and someone’s even got the guts to call their production ‘There’s F*** All to See!’"

Mr Westerby said that Fringe 08 would see significant new initiatives and content, to be announced in the forthcoming months.

"The New Zealand Fringe Festival is going to broaden its reach and become a truly national festival," he said. "We’ve got some goodies up our sleeves and once we work out who’s going to pay for them we’ll let you know."

Information packs including press and images for all productions will be distributed to media in at the Programme Launch on January 24th. Key dates include:

§      Programme Launch, January 24

§      Fringe Festival opens, February 8

§      Surfin’ On The Fringe, February 9

§      Fricnic – Fringe Festival picnic, February 16

§      Chalk the Walk, February 16

• Closing Night Party and Awards Ceremony, March 3