5 — 22 October

Melbourne Fringe Festival is back and the Convent is hosting a fantastic program of events!

After its immense success last year, Fringe is back with even more excitement, entertainment, and memories to create.

From roaming outdoor events, to multimedia and cabaret, don’t miss out on these multi-disciplinary immersive performances from breakthrough artists across Naarm/Melbourne.  

Check out the incredible list of events below!

Air Hunger

Delve into the profound world of hidden illness through this captivating piece of dance theatre. Experience the transformation of your bed into a universe of emotion, from vulnerability to explosive power.

5 — 7 October
Magdalen Laundry

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Kitchen Kabaret

A cabaret-style theatre piece about vegetables, singing and dancing their way from the fridge to the chopping board. They hatch a plan to run from their fate. But can they escape before dinner time?

5 — 7 October
Industrial School 

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ARISE

Zap Exhibitions presents ARISE: the second volume of an annual exhibition program. An experimental and vibrant showcase of works across art forms from some of Naarm’s most exciting and diverse emerging creatives.

5 — 15 October
The Store

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Peek-A-Butoh: Kooks & Spooks 

Introduce the kids to the enchanting world of Japanese Butoh in this popular Convent Kids event from renowned artists Yumi Umiumare and Jacqui Stockdale.

Recommended to children ages 12 and under

7 — 8 October
Industrial School

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Ode to Being 存在颂歌

Experience a mesmerizing blend of dance, installations, projections, and live music from the Chinese instrument, the Pipa. Created by Jiawen Feng, an evocative and emotional journey awaits.

12 — 14 October
Industrial School

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3-2-1 by Emotion 21

Witness this reimagining of dance through the lens of Down syndrome. Conceived and crafted by three creators with Down syndrome, this work explores the three intertwined themes of capability, challenge, and enhancement, offering you an unforgettable portrait of the artists’ lived experiences.

13 — 14 and 20 — 21 October
Magdalen Laundry

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Scarlett Menagerie: Menagerie Messages

Discover the beauty of artificial intelligence with this exhibition from Bendigo-based costume design company, Scarlett Menagerie.  

13 — 21 October
Convent Courtyard — Arches opposite Cam’s Kiosk

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The Birds

Embark on a captivating journey in this outdoor theatre event! Roam the Convent grounds as performers weave a tale of freedom and transformation through dance, circus, and cutting-edge AI technology.

14 October
Community & Linen Rooms

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Valuing A Young Audience

Presented by Abbotsford Convent and Melbourne Fringe, this event offers children the chance to experience theatre-making firsthand. Perfect for kids who love theatre, they will watch fantastic new works and then give feedback directly to the artists.

Recommended to children ages 12 and under

21 October
Oratory

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InPlay Projects: Modals of Lost Opportunity

An immersive cross-disciplinary work by InPlay Projects. With movement and choreography at its base, it draws from projection technologies, live cinema, and written prose to investigate the opportunities that slip through our grasp.

19 — 21 October
Industrial School

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Dances & Dreams 

Explore dreams, ancestry and nature through installations, workshops, and performances in this unique immersive exhibition.

19 — 22 October
The Store

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Abbotsford Convent’s 2023 Melbourne Fringe program is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, as part of Convent Live. 

 

Photo credits, clockwise from top left: Kitchen Kabaret, photo by Emily Norton. Modals Of Lost Opportunity, photo by Jeff Busby. Peek-A-Butoh, photo by Toshiki Tanaka. Menagerie Messages, photo provided by Scarlett Menagerie. Air Hunger, photo provided by artists. Peek-A-Butoh, photo by Yumi Umiumare. Ode to Being 存在颂歌, photo provided by Jiawen Feng. The Birds, photo provided by BoilOver.