Perth's Fringe World festival has commenced, featuring a diverse program that includes burlesque, cabaret, and acrobatic performances.
Among the acts is #since1994 by the Taiwanese company Eye Catching Circus, an all-female contemporary circus ensemble. Creator Chih-Ling Mei stated the performance aims to challenge Asian gender stereotypes and address the oppression of women in Taiwan, reflecting the perspectives of women born between 1994 and 2000.
Arts Minister Simone McGurk launched the 30-day event, highlighting its role in stimulating audiences and nurturing creative talent.
The festival encompasses over 600 shows and features more than 3,000 performers. Venues are primarily located in Northbridge and the CBD, with additional locations such as Scarborough and Busselton. The newly reopened Liberty Theatre and the Blue Room Theatre, which returns after a decade, are included this year. The Fountain Bar, a circular bar with a rooftop water feature, has also returned.
Fringe World Perth is the third-largest fringe festival globally, following Edinburgh and Adelaide. Organizers anticipate attendance will exceed 500,000 this year. Tickets average $35, and the program includes community, free, and family-friendly events.
The festival runs from January 21 to February 15, marking the beginning of Perth's festival season. The Perth Festival is scheduled to open two weeks later, featuring local and international acts, with the East Perth Power Station as a central venue.