‘Made from poutine’? Fringe performers share their top local spots, slogan ideas

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This article was published 22/07/2024 (411 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As always, the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival, which runs to Sunday at various locations, attracts artists from all over the world. We sent out a survey to a handful of out-of-towners about their experiences at North America’s second largest fringe. Here are some of their responses.

Tara Travis

Victoria, B.C.

First fringe: 2008

Current show: Monster Theatre’s Erika the Red

When I’m in town, I always visit…

The Louis Riel graveyard fascinates me. The energy in there is palpable. It’s a favourite place to stroll and run lines. Fringers’ annual day at the lake is a highlight. I always stay a few extra days for that float in the lake/decompression with pals. I’m still grieving for Mondragon … I’ll be looking for new hip spots for vegetarian delights. Send me your recos, folks!

Winnipeg’s current slogan is “Made From What’s Real.” Some people don’t like it, others do. What slogan would you suggest?

Warm hugs, open skies.

When people ask about your Winnipeg fringe experiences, which stories spring to mind?

One year I was doing Til Death: The Six Wives of Henry VIII and it was selling like hotcakes, so folks were lined up for hours before the show. I was in the area early to warm up and was offering to buy them water or ice cream or something, and they all said something to the effect of, “Oh, no thanks, we’ve got our own supplies. It’s worth the wait.” I have so much admiration for the die-hard commitment to taking in theatre in Winnipeg. It inspires me to bring my A+ game. I wish there was that much thirst for live theatre in Vancouver.

Based on your visits, what suggestions do you think the city should incorporate to improve itself?

Cooling shelters for the summer in random spots? I’ve gotten sunstroke there so many times. Can’t imagine what it’s like for folks without a place to go.

What’s the most challenging part of performing on the fringe circuit?

Promoting my own show. It usually goes something like this (to be read in a very derpy voice): People say it’s funny and stuff … er, whatever, but sorry for bothering you, never mind. My workaround is to trade flyers with a fellow artist. I can talk up anyone else’s show, no problem.

If you could pull off one magic trick, what would it be?

Perform in my 25-year-old body instead of my 46-year-old one.

The theme this year is Gone Fringin’: Venture Into Our Neck of the Woods. Describe your neck of the woods in one sentence.

Embraced by trees and ocean, ghastly rent.

Describe your show in five words or fewer.

Epic, ambitious, ridiculous, violent, cheeky

Chris Bange

Long Beach, Calif.

First fringe: 2006

Current show: Super Funtimes Magic

When I’m in town, I always visit…

July 17 is my birthday and for many years I always had my birthday in Winnipeg, so the performers would all come to a karaoke birthday party at the Regal Beagle. And of course I love Toad Hall (Toys) because it’s a magic shop.

Winnipeg’s current slogan is “Made From What’s Real.” Some people don’t like it, others do. What slogan would you suggest?

Made from poutine.

How many kilometres (or miles) do you have to travel to get to Winnipeg? How are you getting here?

I will be driving 1,992 miles to get to my favourite fringe ever!

Based on your visits, what suggestions do you think the city should incorporate to improve itself?

I love Winnipeg just the way it is.

What’s the best thing you’ve ever eaten in Winnipeg?

Scotch eggs at the King’s Head, and some fries I nicked from Jem Rolls.

What’s the most challenging part of performing on the fringe circuit?

Packing up all my props before the next show starts.

There are a lot of magic shows this year. If you could pull off one magic trick, what would it be?

Sell more tickets than Tim Motley (Dirk Darrow Investigations).

The theme this year is Gone Fringin’: Venture Into Our Neck of the Woods. Describe your neck of the woods in one sentence.

Sweaty magic clown town.

The fringe can be exhausting. Share your secret to keeping your energy up.

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Always eat healthy, never stay up all night drinking, and do the opposite of what I just said.

Describe your show in five words or fewer.

Seriously silly sleight-of-hand

For more information, see winnipegfringe.com.

ben.waldman@winnipegfreepress.com

Ben Waldman
Reporter

Ben Waldman is a National Newspaper Award-nominated reporter on the Arts & Life desk at the Free Press. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Ben completed three internships with the Free Press while earning his degree at Ryerson University’s (now Toronto Metropolitan University’s) School of Journalism before joining the newsroom full-time in 2019. Read more about Ben.

Every piece of reporting Ben produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.