13 September 2017

How to Fringe 2017: Helen Cassidy

Helen Cassidy
actor, creative, director, producer, voice over artist

Erotic Intelligence for Dummies
15–22 September
Arts House – Underground


Helen Cassidy

If you could invite anyone to your show (and you knew they would come), who would it be?
The brilliant author and psychotherapist Esther Perel. Esther explores the tension between freedom and commitment in intimate relationships. Her books, talks and podcasts rock my world and have been a huge inspiration. If you haven’t heard of her I highly recommend her TED talk about maintaining desire in long-term relationships. And her book Mating in Captivity.

The Melbourne Fringe in three words.
Arty, accessible, awesome.

A favourite Melbourne Fringe memory.
This is my first Melbourne Fringe so I’m looking forward to making memories in 2017.

Your experience as an independent artist being part of the Melbourne Fringe.
So far, so good. The festival is open and supportive and doesn’t feel overwhelmingly in its size.

What makes the Melbourne Fringe unique?
Australia has some of the biggest fringe festival’s in the world… we love our fringes! However, some festivals have been swamped by massive mainstream shows with huge publicity budgets and it’s made it almost impossible for the smaller shows to compete. Melbourne Fringe remains a manageable size and is still very accessible for independent artists who feel safe to take risks. Better still, local audiences support artists taking risks and embrace the weird and wild.

Your advice for choosing what to see in the Melbourne Fringe.
Go with your gut (or other moister body bits) and surprise yourself with a show you know nothing about. Also ask friends for their picks. So I guess I’m saying that everyone needs to see at least two shows.

Do you think there’s a better system than star ratings for reviews?
Geeze, I’ve seen the Grading A-D system in some reviews but that just smells of high school. Stick with the stars; this is show biz.

Five shows/events that you will not miss at the 2017 Melbourne Fringe.
Fringe Wives Club: Glittery Clittery: a conSENSUAL party
Can I Get An Amen?! Inspired by the memoirs of Whoopi Goldberg
Betty GRUMBLE: Sex Clown Saves the World
The Birth of the Unicorn Mermaid
PO PO MO CO: Recreation & Leisure