Singer, actor, writer, producer
Roby Favretto
Actor, writer, producer
Cactus and the Mime
15–22 September
Fringe Hub, Lithuanian Club, Son of Loft
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| Caitlin Spears & Roby Favretto. Cactus and the Mime |
If you could invite anyone to your show (and you knew they would come), who would it be?
The Wiggles, we think they would really enjoy the show.
The Melbourne Fringe in three words.
Metamorphosis, experimental, emerging
A favourite Melbourne Fringe memory.
Caitlin: Being picked during audience participation and teaching an actor to waltz at a poignant moment in the show.
Roby: Co-writing and performing in my first Fringe show called Notes From Zombieland. I played an alien robot obsessed with Tim Tams; it was very serious.
Your experience as an independent artist being part of the Melbourne Fringe?
Caitlin: This is my first experience participating in Fringe, and so far the experience has been very positive. The team at Fringe are very supportive and though being a part of over 440 shows is terrifying, being surrounded by so much creativity is very inspiring.
Roby: This is my fourth experience with Fringe, having acted and co-written previous shows. However this has been my first experience producing a show from the ground up. It hasn’t always been easy, but the wealth of knowledge I’ve gained from the experience has fuelled my passion to create and will inform my contribution to future works.
What makes the Melbourne Fringe unique?
Caitlin: Melbourne Fringe’s uniqueness comes from their belief that anyone can put on a show, and anyone can put on a show for Fringe. This openness to creativity and new work is very special.
What’s your advice for choosing what to see in the Melbourne Fringe?
Chose our show.
Read the synopsis and pick one show that sticks out, and then pick one that is a little outside your comfort zone. Go to both. Try to choose a variety of small- and large-scale pieces, both emerging and established talent.
Do you think there’s a better system than star ratings for reviews?
A series of reviews averaged to form a percentage of those who responded to the piece favourably, like film review site Rotten Tomatoes. Alternatively, a review system based on every facet of the production and not just an overall star mark. This way someone with a predominant interest in lighting might not be dissuaded from viewing a show they’re interested in because reviews indicate the acting let the show down.
Five shows/events you will not miss at the 2017 Melbourne Fringe?
High Achievers
How to Kill the Queen of Pop
Scatter-Brains & Doodle-Heads
Pivot
CACTUS AND THE MIME (when someone really wants you to see their show, see it)
