Fringe: time of the essence

Dunedin Fringe Festival production manager Dallas Synnott was given the special contribution to festival life award. Photo by Gregor Richardson.
Dunedin Fringe Festival production manager Dallas Synnott was given the special contribution to festival life award. Photo by Gregor Richardson.
After another successful year, Dunedin Fringe Festival could be extended by a week next year to accommodate the growing number of acts.

Festival director Josh Thomas said he was ''very happy'' with the 11-day festival this year.

The festival had nearly 70 shows, about 25% more than last year.

''We grew significantly and had a lot of fantastic shows from around New Zealand and overseas and lots of really strong local content.''

The greater number of shows resulted in up to 25 being held on a Saturday night.

''That makes it incredibly hard for audiences to have the opportunity to see everything.''

To allow the festival to continue to grow, he would propose to the board members of the Dunedin Fringe Arts Trust the festival be run over 18 days next year, he said.

Dunedin shows dominated the festival award ceremony, he said.

Festival production manager Dallas Synnott was given the special contribution to festival life award.

''Dallas also brings unwavering dedication to her work; a real dedication to every fringe artist, colleague and audience member,'' Mr Thomas said.

The best in fringe award went to cabaret show Body Map by performer Glitta Supernova.

''The Sydney artist's trademark red-light surrealism broke new ground. Body Map's savvy socio-political commentary on objectification and beauty myth pulled no punches, garnering her the award for outstanding performance as well as this year's top prize.''

2017 Fringe Festival Awards

Best cabaret: Body Map.
Best comedy: Laura Daniel & Joseph Moore in Work Work Work Work in Progress.
Best dance: Fabricate.
Best multi media or film: The Odeon - Drive in Cinema.
Best music or sound: Lines of Flight.
Best theatre: Life Stories: A Work Showing.
Best visual or performance art: Future Views.
Outstanding design: The Odeon - Drive in Cinema.
Outstanding technical achievement: Form and Compression.
City of Literature beyond words award: Stories to Heal Violence.
Most original concept: Frankenfoot.
Outstanding emerging talent award: Jordan Dickson for QUEEN.
Outstanding performer(s): Glitta Supanova for Body Map.
Best in fringe: Body Map.
Best poster award: Joy & Shame in the Summertime.
Special contribution to festival life: Dunedin Fringe Festival production manager Dallas Synnott.
Warwick Broadhead memorial award: Avant-garde sound and light act Murdabike.

shawn.mcavinue@odt.co.nz

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