Meet new Fringe Director Greg Clarke…
Greg Clarke, Adelaide Fringe 2011 Fringe Director, was appointed late last year and began working at Adelaide Fringe in February 2010. This allowed for a seamless transition between Christie Anthoney and Sandy Verschoor as they finished on a high after their four years as Fringe Director and CEO respectively.
Born in Blackwood, Greg has been working in Sydney for the past 20 years as Manager at Belvoir St Theatre, running his own arts company and Senior Producer at Sydney Opera House. More recently he was Head of Events with the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority staging large scale events including the Darling Harbour New Year’s Eve firework displays and music, dance, circus and food festivals.
Greg Clarke, Adelaide Fringe 2011 Fringe Director, was appointed late last year and began working at Adelaide Fringe in February 2010. This allowed for a seamless transition between Christie Anthoney and Sandy Verschoor as they finished on a high after their four years as Fringe Director and CEO respectively.
Born in Blackwood, Greg has been working in Sydney for the past 20 years as Manager at Belvoir St Theatre, running his own arts company and Senior Producer at Sydney Opera House. More recently he was Head of Events with the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority staging large scale events including the Darling Harbour New Year’s Eve firework displays and music, dance, circus and food festivals.
What is it like it coming back to direct the Adelaide Fringe ?
It’s incredibly exciting to be back and I’m having an amazing time. Catching up with old friends, meeting new ones and experiencing this years Fringe as the new Director has been truly mind-blowing and extremely inspiring.
What experience do you bring to Adelaide Fringe?
I’ve had an fantastic 20 year career working in the in the arts and entertainment industry in Sydney. I’ve been a festival director, producer, artist, performer, art gallery manager, night club owner and entrepreneur. As a producer at the Sydney Opera House I presented dance, music, theatre, cabaret, and the Message Sticks Film Festival, so to be able to lead a cultural organisation that brings so many diverse art-forms together in the one big three week party really excites me.
What else is it about Adelaide Fringe that appeals to you?
It’s a massive, multi-layered arts festival with an outstanding reputation that absolutely transforms this city. I love the fact that it is constantly evolving, revealing new spaces and venues, just as it’s an open access festival exposing people to fascinating new experiences and stimulating ideas. Every art form is represented, from the visual arts to contemporary dance, music, circus, theatre, puppetry, multi-media, cabaret and comedy. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Can you tell us about some of your vision for the Adelaide Fringe?
I aim to ensure that Adelaide Fringe continues to be the pre-eminent arts event in Australia and the Asia Pacific. That it continues to attract, support and promote innovative, unique and diverse artists and events that audiences are going to be blown away by, talk about and spread the word that you just have to attend this festival no matter what.
To build new audiences and help artists sell more tickets we aim to create a central Fringe hub right in the middle of the city. Featuring a performance stage and information and box office, artists will be able to publicly showcase and promote their work and give audiences a taste of the Fringe.
Working with a Creative Producer, we will facilitate and collaborate with local artists and Adelaide’s diverse communities in creating free public art events, installations and celebrations that will enliven the city and really set Adelaide Fringe apart from any other festival in the world.
Upcoming Adelaide Fringe Dates:
Venue Registrations – Open July 2010
Adelaide Fringe 2011 Poster Competition – Open late July/ early August 2010
Artist Registrations – Open mid August 2010
Adelaide Fringe 2011: Friday February 18 – Sunday March 13
An Ode to Charlie_Angel Fringe 2010
February 19th the Fringe was in full swing,
I registered for fringe talk, my four week little fling.
It all began with ‘luck’ in a random twist of fate,
Then I saw a ‘little grey wolf ‘in the Garden very late!
I had ‘Heroin(e) for Breakfast’ It really blew my mind.
So bloody friggin brilliant, I would go a second time.
The circus tricked and teased me – got my friends up on the stage,
Then I got sexy with the ‘HOTTEST MAMA’ of the roaring twenties age.
In cyber space we travelled with Iexist.com,
It really made me question, where did we go wrong?
3D is just so hot right now! ‘Experimentia’ was thrilling,
The images were haunting, dark and rather chilling.
‘In almost an evening’ the comedy turned black,
Accidental Productions gave us ‘Umbrellas’ and a Mac.
They gave a great performance and a little naughty flash,
Later ‘Die Rotten Punkte’ rocked in German – high on hash.
Then we ‘looked into the darkness’ and weren’t all that impressed,
Despite the best of efforts, the writing was a mess.
What came next -just freaked me out – Is he a medium for real?
Those ‘Six impossible things’ before a hearty meal.
Nida brought the ‘Sex Wars’ – this was way outside the box
But absolutely loved it, all three really rocked.
‘Antigone’ was dismal, with dildos and no story,
God knows what they were thinking with all that morning glory!
Can’t believe I sat through two of ‘Renegades’ renditions,
I’m surprised they weren’t evicted with banners and petitions.
Guy Masterson restored my faith that things would soon look brighter,
first came ‘Under Milkwood’ a one man wonder and reciter.
‘Scaramouche’ just broke my heart into seven tiny pieces,
I cried and cried and cried, sometimes we just need those releases.
‘Bully’ hit me hard and fast from every single corner,
His story sucked me in, I felt like I was now the mourner.
‘Rhinoceros’ was so absurd but wonderful to watch.
‘Weights’ just made me realise excuses aren’t a crutch.
Then I fell in love with Shakespeare, again and again and again,
with a little bit cello, cheese and some champagne.
The ‘Removalist ‘took me into a darker, bleaker space,
But it was ‘52 pickup’ that got the smile back on my face.
To finish where I started my head is in a spin.
‘Heroin(e) for breakfast’ has been the most amazing thing!
I know that now it’s over I will be a little blue,
With ‘Amococo’ and the ‘garden’ gone, I’ll be lost for what to do!
So now it’s back to saving dollars, to fund my fringe addiction,
Next year I’ll see seven hundred things -why bother with restriction?
Regards Charlie P.S Next year the poem might be a bloody epic!
An Adelaide Fringe 2010 inspired poem by one of our avid Fringe fanatics.
Have you got your own? Add it to the Fringe Vault – for any year of the Fringe – www.fringevault.com.au
Apr 08, 2010 | Categories: Your Comments | Leave A Comment »