After an incredibly rough 12 months for the arts, there might be no better way to celebrate its triumphant return than by checking out one of the awesome events on offer at the Adelaide Fringe Festival.
The annual arts festival boasts the distinction of being the world’s second-largest event of its kind and offers visitors a wide range of experiences in the realms of comedy, cabaret, theatre, circus, music, visual arts and workshops.
This year’s festival is due to wrap up on March 21 so here are some events to check out before you have to wait a whole year to have the pleasure once more.
Comedy:
Wil Anderson — Whatchu Talkin’ ‘Bout WIL?, March 21
Whatchu Talkin’ ‘Bout WIL? is a completely improvised night of stand-up with one of Australia’s most renowned comedians. Every show is completely different as it is made up on the spot with the help of the audience. Buy tickets here.
Naughty Hands, March 19-21
Barry Priori, Adelaide’s Funniest Deaf guy, is back by popular demand with his oh so Naughty Hands. Come for a walk on the wild side as Barry teaches us the signs of love, lust and ALL the insults! He’ll take you on an R rated journey into the Deaf world and by the end of the night, you’ll be signing your favourite naughty words.
This is the first interactive comedy starring a Deaf performer, which is presented in Auslan. It’s an interpreted show, so no one misses out. Buy tickets here.
Yasemin Sabuncu: The illest, March 12-20
When multidisciplinary storyteller Yasemin Sabuncu moved to Byron Bay to turn her life around, she was diagnosed with endometriosis and ADHD but learnt how to thrive with these conditions. Join Yasemin as she shares her lust for life and adventures down the rabbit hole. This heart-warming, hard-hitting, glitter-filled comedy presents a painfully poignant look at illness and approaches we can take to the unexpected hurdles in life. Buy tickets here.
Theatre
DIЯT, March 12-21
A Russian and an Australian walk into a bar in Moscow. Neither is who they say they are. DIЯT is a thrilling and seductive exploration of sexuality, solidarity and persecution in modern-day Russia, set against the horrors of the anti-Gay purges in Chechnya.
$1 from every ticket sold will be donated to the Russian LGBT Network, an organisation promoting equal rights and respect for human dignity throughout Russia. Buy tickets here.
Murder Off a Duck’s Back, March 16-20
A barman, a spinster, a neurotic and a sleazebag walk into a bar, but the punch line doesn’t end there, follow four idiom idiots along their absurd travels to a bloody wedding.
This film noir style murder-not-so-mystery is packed to the brim with all the ridiculous cliches and slapstick error comedy, a dash of romance, a squeeze of suspenseful climax (of both kinds) and a garnish of exaggerated obscenity. Buy tickets here.
Music
That ’90s Show: Unplugged Vol. 3, March 20-21
Prepare for a night of your favourite ’90s tunes, done a little differently. Flickering candle lights, lounge sets, cushions and acoustic guitars set the stage for this unplugged and intimate live performance. Buy tickets here.
Naomi Keyte, March 21
Adelaide’s Naomi Keyte will perform her distinctive blend of folk and alt-pop music on March 21. With a voice that is both gentle and powerful, and an exceptional band helping bring to life her image-rich lyrics, the experience is simultaneously minimal, generous and striking.
In 2020, Keyte released her latest single ‘Travelling Woman’ and won Best Folk (People’s Choice) at the 2020 South Australian Music Awards. Buy tickets here.
Five Years (1969-1974) — Ashes To Ashes Bowie Tribute, March 18
For a full lineup of Adelaide Fringe events, head to adelaidefringe.com.au.