🎭✨ Discover the top must-see shows at the Calgary Fringe Festival this weekend! From heartfelt immigrant stories to thought-provoking comedies, there's something for everyone. Don't miss out! 🌟 #Calgary #Alberta
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Best Bets for Calgary Fringe Festival, Aug. 3-4
The Calgary Fringe Festival, the city’s annual independent theatre extravaganza, runs from August 2 to 10, featuring 20 in-person shows. This year's venues include Festival Hall, the Fellowship Hall in the basement of the Lantern Church, a theatre at Wood’s Homes, the Rose Room in the Alexandra Centre, and the basement of the Next Page bookstore. For more details and tickets, visit Calgary Fringe Festival Tickets.
To help you navigate the myriad of shows, theatre critic Louis B. Hobson has two standout recommendations for each day of the festival.
Saturday, August 3
In The Abroad
Samuel Kugbiyi, having emigrated from Nigeria, explores the immigrant experience in his one-man show, In The Abroad. This term, used by Africans who have left their homes for new lands, frames Kugbiyi's narrative. He delves into the loneliness, economic, and cultural shocks faced by young immigrants.
Kugbiyi, a performer since the age of nine, uses music, dance, and dramatic storytelling to share his journey. He promises that In The Abroad will evoke both tears and laughter, creating a memorable and emotive experience for the audience.
Showtime: 1:45 p.m.
Venue: Lantern Church Fellowship Hall
DJ Christ: Saving Humanity
Chris Visser's DJ Christ: Saving Humanity is a bold what-if experiment. Visser imagines what would happen if Christ returned today, unaware of the past 2,000 years. This modern Christ might face an identity crisis and need to redefine and rebuild Christianity to connect with today's audience.
Visser tackles these profound themes with humor, incorporating music, dancing, and even the possibility of miracles. He invites audiences to approach the show as a thought experiment, encouraging deep reflection through entertainment.
Showtime: 8:45 p.m.
Venue: Lantern Church Fellowship Hall
Sunday, August 4
The Other
The Other is a dark comedy that addresses mental health through humor. The protagonist, Daniel, battles his inner critic, which takes on a life of its own. This compelling narrative, created by Calgarian Nathan Crockett and performed alongside Elainna Noble and Jonathan Top, illustrates the power of reaching out and connecting with others to overcome personal demons.
Showtime: 5:30 p.m.
Venue: The Wood’s Home Theatre, Inglewood
A Little Bit Much
Chelsea Davison’s A Little Bit Much is a raucous exploration of self-perception and social conditioning. Davison, who has often been told she’s "a little bit much," shares her life journey filled with jokes, ideas, dreams, and experiences. From hairdressing and dating to marriage and kids, she humorously navigates the unwinnable game of having it all.
Showtime: 7:15 p.m.
Venue: The Wood’s Home Theatre, Inglewood
Additional Recommendations
For the best bets from Monday through Thursday, August 5-8, be sure to check the Calgary Herald Arts section online.
Final Thoughts
The Calgary Fringe Festival is a celebration of independent theatre, offering a diverse range of performances that challenge, entertain, and inspire. Whether you’re moved by Samuel Kugbiyi’s immigrant story or intrigued by Chris Visser’s modern-day Christ, there’s something for everyone. Make sure to immerse yourself in the experience and support these incredible artists.
Takeaways for Readers
- Diverse Performances: The festival showcases a wide array of themes and genres, ensuring there's something for every taste.
- Cultural Insight: Shows like In The Abroad provide a deep dive into the immigrant experience, fostering empathy and understanding.
- Humor and Reflection: Productions such as DJ Christ: Saving Humanity and The Other blend humor with serious themes, prompting thoughtful reflection while entertaining.
- Personal Journeys: A Little Bit Much offers a relatable and humorous take on personal and societal expectations, encouraging audiences to reflect on their own lives.
By attending the Calgary Fringe Festival, you’re not only enjoying top-notch theatre but also supporting local artists and contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of Calgary. Don’t miss out on this fantastic event!