The Nordic Season at the Brighton Fringe

The international “seasons” which have become a staple of the larger Fringe festivals certainly involve a bit of international travel for some of the heads of those festivals. Is it all self-indulgent, or something more? the exchanges have certainly seen some fine and diverse fringe work arrive on our shores that would have probably not been able to come otherwise. Well chosen international exchange can enrich a fringe, and ensure we learn from each others’ differing approaches to art making, as well ad discover our common ground.

It all works best, in my view, when the work that comes feels edgy, experimental and different, and also where these “seasons” are not presented as mainstream activity but feel as if they are a healthy part of the Fringe on our Fringe. You can find out more about the international seasons at Brighton Fringe here. This year there is a Dutch and a Nordic season. The Nordic shows range across all the Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and Finland.

For some physical comedy, do see 2100: A space Novelty which was an award winner at Prague Fringe, as well as Pick of the Fringe at the Norway Fringe in 2018. “‘2100: A Space Novelty’ makes full use of physical comedy that goes beyond any regular comedy show and takes audiences on an epic space adventure leaving them wanting a sequel! With elements of mime, vocal sound effects, live music, origami spaceships and multilingual characters, this is a space show like no other.”

For a dance choice, May I Speak about Dance. A dancer dances, while another explains. A quirky performance-lecture about the problems of dance and meaning, referencing iconic figures in contemporary dance such as Yvonne Rainer, Tatsumi Hijikata and Jérȏme Bel, and getting tangled in non-dance, Butoh and somatic practice. Tongue firmly in cheek, Boaz Barkan’s performance involves you as a guest in an irreverent and witty exploration of what dance is and can be and how it is experienced. For all of us who find dance and performance tedious at times, or are feeling a little jaded, this is a chance to refresh your critical palate.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For something very different indeed you might want to take in A Box in the Desert. It is described as “playful, thought-provoking solo experience in VR, about being trapped inside an invisible box in an endless desert.” Book early as this singular experience caters for only one audience member per time slot!

There is also a workshop to check out : Körper: Discover Your Body’s Identity with NEON [DE/DK]

We’ll be providing more features and recommendations for the Nordic Season at Brighton Fringe in the coming weeks, and during Brighton Fringe.

Paul Levy

Here is our full Brighton Fringe coverage.