Totally overwhelmed is Roel Beeftink - Funcken, director of the Delft Fringe Festival, by the huge interest in the Delft Fringe Festival, which starts on 31 May and lasts until 11 June: "We have never before sold so many tickets in presale, some tours are even already sold out," he recalls. "Fortunately, there are still plenty of tickets left for the spontaneous deciders."
Successful ticket sales shows that the public is clearly looking forward to it. "In this time of price increases, we deliberately choose not to raise our prices. This keeps it fun and affordable for everyone," said an elated Roel. However, there are still plenty of tickets available for a performance by one of the 29 makers at one of the 28 beautiful venues. Also there is still room for the festival opening and at some surprising tours.
The festival opening
The opening on Wednesday evening 31 May promises to be a real party. Be surprised and inspired by a varied programme of three high-profile performances at Theater de Veste, by Alienated, Tara Reijerkerk and Niek Wagenaar's Nymphs. In the extended interval, a number of young creators will give a short preview of their festival performance at unexpected locations in the theatre. End the evening dancing to the tastiest music of DJ JAWGEM at the afterparty.
Performances
The festival features a wide variety of performances, often with a topical twist. For example, how about Niek Wagenaar, last year's audience winner. During the upcoming festival edition, he draws attention to climate issues in his dance performance. The young makers do not shy away from emotionally charged themes. Theatre-maker Mystha Mandersloot, for instance, presents the performance 'Abortusverhalen' at the festival. Both Mystha and her performers are experts by experience and incorporated their experiences with abortion in the play. A serious subject, but laughter is certainly allowed too.
Tour guides
You can also have a laugh with well-known Delft cabaret artist Pieter Jouke, who is one of the tour guides this year. If you book a tour, you will visit three performances with a guide and you will not know which one in advance. Nice for those who cannot choose and for those who like surprises. Highly recommended, for instance, is the tour with Tamara Griffioen, the artistic director of the festival. After all, who better to tell you all about the festival than Tamara herself?
Ticket sales
The performances, in both Dutch and English, last up to 30 minutes and cost €7.50 per person. Did you know that 50% of the value of each ticket sold goes to the artist? Tickets can be ordered online at www.delftfringefestival.nl, at the festival pavilion on Market Square or at the door at the performance venue.
Photo: Sjoerd Derine