Entertainment on the Fringe
Amy Neufeld

Okay, okay, eager university students, I hear you. You’re gearing up for the second half of the year, and reflecting back on the first, and something is missing. You have a handle on your classes, social life is going well, maybe you’ve even gotten involved with some sports or volunteer work, but where has the theatre on campus been?

Admittedly the first term this year was a little short on theatrics, but that is only because the University Players have been diligently preparing for the Campus Fringe ‘99.

Oh, don’t worry, I still hear you eager students. You’re thinking, "well I’m glad there’s going to be some theatre here at Laurier, but what is a Fringe Festival?" Such a common question.

Fringes are a tradition which began in Edinburgh in 1954. The city only had space for a certain number of shows and so productions were forced to find stage space elsewhere - on the fringe of the town. In fact, now the Fringe Festival has become larger and more well-received than the original theatre festival.

Well, other theatre groups caught the Fringe bug, and soon Fringe Festivals were popping up all over the place.

Fringes have become quite a common word in the theatre world as they offer an opportunity for experimentation for actors and directors; audiences get to see some truly unique and progressive theatre, which is usually less expensive than larger established shows.

Laurier began using the Fringe style of theatre four years ago, and have had a festival every year.

Anything goes at a Fringe Festival, there are essentially no rules.

Adam Qualter, who is producing the Fringe, feels that it is an excellent opportunity for students to take a really active role in shows, and try experimenting with things which they might not otherwise have an audience for. "This is an open festival for theatre on campus," said Qualter. "We guarantee that it will be memorable."

This year’s Fringe consists of three shows, one student-written, one by a local playwright, and one which is a montage of short plays and scenes.

In Sheep’s Clothing is written and directed by Waterloo resident John Canhoto, an English graduate from Wilfrid Laurier University who has been involved with the University Player’s for the past two years.

Canhoto describes it as: "a murder mystery . . . kind of . . . with lots of sex . . . kind of . . . and it begins with the death of the victim." He started writing this play four years ago and he has happily found a forum at Laurier to present it. Last year Canhoto wrote and directed a play entitled Shafted at the K-W Little Theatre.

Laurier English and Film Studies student James Muir began writing his play Speak, My Mind earlier this year. About his play he says, "it follows a conversation between two eligibles when they meet by chance in a video store. The philosophy behind the play is that the true impediment to one’s own happiness is oneself."

"I wanted to examine the interesting and often humorous nuances of human interaction."

This is the first play that Muir has written, and also his first time in the director’s seat. He chose to showcase here as he felt the Fringe is a worthy and interesting project.

The nature of the Fringe Festival is usually chaotic, so it comes as no surprise that the final show, a grouping of smaller scenes, is still in flux.

What will be part of it is a short scene from A.R. Gurney’s play The Dining Room, which examines a family dealing with some difficult news in the 1950’s. It sounds depressing, but it’s actually very funny.

Also participating this year will be some Theatre Laurier veterans. Danielle Fielder will be directing two short scenes examining the place of insanity in an insane world.

In addition to Fielders efforts, fourth year theatre student Melanie Staley will provide us with a short play by David Ives.

The Fringe Festival has been constantly evolving, allowing the University Players to try out new things.

"The Fringe is a place where students who might not otherwise feel they had the resources to put on a show are able to be part of some unique and fun theatre," said Suzanne Haines, Company Manager of the University Players.

"Students from all disciplines are able to participate and we encourage that." Haines also feels that Campus Fringe really enhances the overall cultural experience at Laurier.

So, eager university student, you need no longer be deprived of a theatrical experience here on campus. Just be prepared, I hear the Fringe can get kind of crazy.

The 4th Annual Campus Fringe Festival is on from February 5th until February 7th, in the Studio, room 1C15. Shows start at 8:00pm, and on Sunday at 2:00pm.

Tickets are five dollars a show, or ten dollars for a whole evening of theatre.

Call 884-0719 ext. 4882 for more ticket information.