Edmonton Fringe wins national honour from playwrights
This year’s edition hasn’t even kicked off yet, but the Edmonton Fringe fest is already getting plaudits.
In this case, it’s for its long service to the theatre community and to playwrights, more specifically. The Playwrights Guild of Canada has granted the Fringe an honorary membership, the first time the award has been given to an organization., it said today.
“The history of the Edmonton Fringe is founded on the creation of new work. In the early days of the festival when applications were few, the festival founder would actively recruit creators of new work. The aim was to feature innovation and creation, especially of new plays. Additionally, the Edmonton Fringe spotlights new work in its programs and advertising as well as providing new plays focus in showcases and cabarets,” the organization said.
Past recipients of PGC’s Honorary Membership include Angela Rebeiro, Joan Chalmers, Albert-Reiner Glaap, Toyoshi Yoshihara and Virginia Roncetti.
Noted local playwright and Rapid Fire Theatre producer David Belke (above) nominated Edmonton Fringe because of “the enormous opportunities it provides for playwrights, and in recognition of it being the first fringe festival in Canada.”
The award will be presented during the Fringe’s closing ceremonies Aug. 21
