Theater News

Celebrate the First World Fringe Day!

Today marks 70 years of creative freedom.

Michael Laurence and Annette O'Toole in Laurence's drama Hamlet in Bed during its pre-Ediburgh Fringe Festival run.
Michael Laurence and Annette O'Toole in Laurence's drama Hamlet in Bed during its pre-Ediburgh Fringe Festival run.
(© Tristan Fuge)

The world's first Fringe Festival was born 70 years ago, when several theater troupes were barred from performing at the Edinburgh International Festival. Instead of packing up and leaving Edinburgh, they performed on the fringe of the Festival.

Performers and patrons have since flocked to Edinburgh to participate in the Fringe Festival. Because it denies entrance to no one, the Fringe Festival serves as the largest platform in the world for creative freedom.

With over 200 "Fringes" around the world, the Fringe Festival has ignited a global revolution that has provided platforms for artists and their work. Today marks not only the 70th year of the first fringe in Edinburgh and the birth of the fringe movement, but also the first ever World Fringe Day.

The New York International Fringe Festival is currently taking a one-year hiatus from producing the usual festival; however, you can still celebrate the fringe movement and all of the important work it has showcased today.

For more information about World Fringe Day, click here.