Truth in a Hanger: A Location for Independent Creativity

The Fringe Theatre (or its less esoteric name, the Alternative Theatre for Experimental Drama) is an island of theatre art - experimental, independent, authentic, where ratings are absent from the criteria determining whether a work will be brought before culture consumers - in an ocean of established theatrical performances. The way in which the Fringe Theatre is managed also influences the content of the works performed. Every production is autonomous; the participants - not the theatre's management - are responsible for the play's staging down to the smallest detail. A play's content thus provides a platform for authors/creators to experiment, to remain loyal to their creation and the expression of their artistic truth. The article incorporates interviews with the theatre's artists as well as examples from four excellent plays the Fringe has staged.The Bass Fiddle, Meet Hanoch Levin, Hunger and The Old Lady and the Miracle Worker.