Philadelphia Fringe Festival set to debut with a bolder lineup this September.

In a notable shift for one of Philadelphia’s premier cultural events, the CEO of FringeArts, Nell Bang-Jensen, is gearing up for an ambitious celebration with the upcoming Philadelphia Fringe Festival. This event marks the largest festival in the organization’s nearly 30-year history, showcasing a commitment to innovative and groundbreaking artistic expression.

Scheduled to run from September 4 to September 28, 2024, this year’s festival will feature an impressive 331 performances, both from local talents and international artists. Bang-Jensen, who stepped into the role as CEO in 2023 following the departure of festival founder Nick Stuccio, is enthusiastic about what this new iteration of the festival will offer. She emphasizes the festival as a dynamic space for artists to experiment and produce fresh works, aligning closely with Philadelphia’s evolving artistic identity.

Bang-Jensen advocates for an eclectic mix of programs, moving away from conventional theatrical productions in favor of more interactive and expressive forms of art that challenge the status quo. Her vision includes supporting the next generation of artists by providing them opportunities that mirror her own experiences in the arts.

Among the festival’s highlights is the performance of “Dambudzo” by Zimbabwean artist Nora Chipaumire, which delves into themes of cultural identity and the lingering effects of colonialism. Others include “La Otra,” a poignant narrative by local playwright Tanaquil Márquez about the gathering of three Colombian sisters, and the world premiere of Rennie Harris’s “Beautiful Human Lies: Chapter 4,” to be performed by Megan Bridge.

The festival promises to encompass a range of interactive experiences, exemplified by “asses.masses,” a live video game centered on societal shifts and automation. An important aspect of this year’s festival is its geographical expansion, reaching neighborhoods across the city, including Fishtown and Germantown, to engage broader community participation in Philadelphia’s vibrant arts scene.

Cannonball, a fan-favorite among festival-goers, will return, hosting performances at various venues, including Icebox and the Asian Arts Initiative. Fringe Festival “hubs” in collaborating venues will receive additional funding to assist with operational costs associated with their programming.

As Bang-Jensen prepares for her inaugural festival at the helm, she expresses a determination to not only elevate Philadelphia’s artistic status but also to celebrate the profound creative work already present in the city. The Philadelphia Fringe Festival stands poised to solidify its reputation as a beacon for daring and novel artistic endeavors.

Tickets for members of FringeArts will be available on Tuesday, with general sales commencing on Friday. For further details, visit the festival’s official website, Media News Source.