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Premier Colin Barnett talks up Fringe World benefits, Perth Now December 19th 2011

Posted 21st November, 2011 by


FRINGE WORLD: Miss Squeezy Box (Nikki Dagostino), A’dora Derriere (Melanie Bruyer), Marcus Canning (Fringe World Director), Premier Colin Barnett, The Astonishing Johnny Domino and Coco Poppin (Melanie Naumoff) who are some of the 800 artists who will be performing. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

PREMIER Colin Barnett reckons Perth has plenty of “highbrow” culture now that he’s leapt into the spotlight to promote Perth’s Fringe World Festival, which will take over the Old Treasury Building next month.

Mr Barnett said after strong growth in traditional arts events, such as philharmonic orchestras and the Perth International Arts Festival, he was supportive of the Fringe’s funkier entertainment.

The full program for the 3 1/2-week festival was announced this weekend, bringing more than 150 edgy international and local cabaret, theatre, burlesque, comedy and dance acts to Perth, many of which will be housed in the 106-year-old Spiegeltent which was bought for last year’s pilot program.

It will feature a mix of shows ranging from $5-$40, and free events.

“Perth’s got to sort of come out of being a fairly isolated, perhaps overly conservative, city and indulge itself in some of the different art forms, some of the more extravagant even outrageous performances and acts and different types of art forms,” Mr Barnett said.

Last year, the event attracted about 20,000 spectators and this time even more fans are expected in the grandiose Treasury Building. The long-disused building, on the corner of Barrack St and St Georges Tce, is due to be redeveloped next year.

But developers and the State Government will allow Fringe World organisers Artrage to squeeze 90 acts on to seven stages throughout the Perth Town Hall and Old Treasury Building from January 26.

Fringe World director and chief executive Marcus Canning said that making use of the Treasury Building was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

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