I wear too many hats. Director, producer, teaching artist, consultant
The Vagina Monologues
Deafferent Theatre
September 23–30
Arts House – Studio 1
SM: I saw Deafferent's Black is the Colour last year and can't wait to see what they do this year.
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| Jessica Moody |
If you could invite anyone to your show (and you knew they would come), who would it be?
Mark Twain
Julie Andrews
Nyle DiMarco
Melbourne Fringe in three words.
Chaotic, magical and loving.
A favourite Melbourne Fringe memory.
Last year, one of the Melbourne Fringe staff, Dan Koop, shared his ‘best memory’. He was running around in his attempt to be at two places at once. He emerged in the foyer of the Arts House where a Deafferent Theatre production had just finished, and the audience was making their way out. The foyer was quiet, but loud with the flurry of Auslan-users sharing their recent theatrical experience to each other. Dan stilled and recognised the power of the theatre, and its ability to bring people together. When he shared the story, I got goosebumps (and maybe misty eyes, too).
Your experience as an independent artist being part of the Melbourne Fringe.
The experience never really ‘independent’ in the sense that I have a strong team with me as it takes a village to produce a show. Additionally, the familiar faces of Melbourne Fringe (staff and participants) make it feel like one big, crazy family. Deafferent Theatre’s first production was with Melbourne Fringe. We approached the Fringe team with the idea of starting Deafferent Theatre, and they were our cheerleaders all the way. To have access to a wealth of talent and knowledge at Melbourne Fringe, the fall is softer when you make mistakes (they will happen). The successes are sweeter too, as we share them with our extended art family.
SM: Independent theatre also means non-commercial, non-funded, self-producing. Maybe we need a better word?
What makes the Melbourne Fringe unique?
Melbourne Fringe is a mixture of guts, glory and heart. It's a great reminder of the goodness and possibilities of art, especially through trying recent times.
Five shows/events that you will not miss at the 2017 Melbourne Fringe.
The Children’s Party
Church, curated by Mama Alto
Crimson Tide
The Vagina Monologues (of course!)
