Perth's illustrious drag artist Ginava (Blake Anderson), has triumphed in securing a coveted spot in the esteemed International Fringe Encore Series 2024 at New York City’s iconic Off-Broadway venue, SoHo Playhouse.
This ground-breaking achievement follows Ginava's critically acclaimed performance of their show "Split Lip" at the 2023 FRINGE WORLD Festival.
In this riveting production, Ginava, diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder, grapples with maintaining control as dominant alters vie for supremacy over their body and mouth. Split Lip takes audiences on a journey through the exploration of trauma and its impact on mental health, presented through the unique medium of spoken word lip-syncing.
The selection of Split Lip for the International Fringe Encore Series is historic, making it the first-ever West Australian theatre production chosen for this opportunity in the series' 18-year history. Furthermore, it stands out as the sole Australian show selected for this prestigious platform this year.
The International Fringe Encore Series, an annual event since 2006, identifies emerging artists showcasing exceptional talent at Fringe Festivals globally. Recognizing both artistic and commercial merit, SoHo Playhouse provides selected shows, including Split Lip, an extended Off-Broadway run in New York City.
This extended exposure serves as a platform for future productions and success, as evidenced by the international acclaim achieved by previous series participants including “Nanette” by Hannah Gadsby and “Flea Bag” by Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
Split Lip has not only earned Ginava a place in the International Fringe Encore Series but has also garnered recognition at major fringe festivals worldwide. Notably, it clinched the Melbourne Fringe Tour Ready Award at this year’s FRINGE WORLD Festival and the Sydney Fringe Tour Ready Award in 2020. This marks a significant milestone for Ginava, who is already renowned for their avant-garde performance style and extravagant costume creations.
Their artistic prowess has led to collaborations with industry heavyweights such as Broadway star Alan Cumming, and musicians Peaches and Roisin Murphy.
See Ginava at FRINGE WORLD Festival 2024 in MESSY FRIENDS.
ARTRAGE received funding from the Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) to present a Delegate Program during the 2023 FRINGE WORLD Festival. The program invited six international delegates to visit Perth over a 6-day period to experience everything that FRINGE WORLD and Perth has to offer; culturally, as a tourism destination, and as a hotbed of creative talent.
This program has been made possible with the support of the Department of Local Government, Sports and Cultural Industries’ CBD Revitilisation Program, aligning with the program’s vision to invigorate Perth with activations that celebrate the city. Pending funding, the next edition of the Delegate Program is scheduled to coincide with the FRINGE WORLD Festival in 2025.
Image: Split Lip, photo by Alex Mansour.
