Once again, the stage is set for hybrid excitement in Lagos. From November 17- 22, 2020, lovers of entertainment and the general public will be thrilled in this year’s edition of the Lagos Fringe Festival, the largest outdoor festivals in West Africa.
For the six days, attendees and guests will experience breathtaking performances, experimental work, exhibitions and an array of training opportunities, among other exciting activities.
Now in its third year, the festival, which holds on the theme, ‘Recreating the Future’, is offering a hybrid programme of both online/ virtual and live interactions with social distancing measures in place. As well, participants and partners will combine in the annual multidisciplinary arts celebration, which offers something for everyone including; artists, digitally connected youths, existing and potential arts audiences, students, children, art institutions, expatriate communities and international guests with activities, performances and food inspired by the local communities.
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In her remarks on this year’s festival, Brenda Fashugba, the festival producer; stated that, “There will also be a vibrant arts market on display throughout the festival period, short film screenings and feedback session where filmmakers will be on ground to engage with the audience to share their processes and motivations”.
One major highlight of this year’s festival, according to her, includes; a music concert- an evening of dazzling fiesta of fun, colour and life featuring a range of artistes at the festival hub. “The con
cert will be followed by a brilliant fireworks display to top off the night, ensuring we are in the mood for the holiday season”, she said.
Another highlight is the street food fiesta where there will be food stalls of all types showcasing delicious dishes and tasty treats. Fashugba noted that some festival goers would learn tips of the trade with live cooking demonstrations and discover hidden food secrets at the street food fiesta.
However, the organisers are taking health and safety seriously as the festival as the events would be presented with health and safety protocols intact such as; limiting the number of audience allowed to each show, audience and guests will be required to have their temperature checked before entering the space, face masks & shields will be worn at all times and if they do not have, one will be provided at the gate. Also, a “no mask, no entry” policy will be in full swing with compliance monitored by festival staff and designated health workers.
Speaking during a media chat held recently at Freedom Park, Lagos, the Festival Director of the Lagos Fringe, who is also the general secretary of the Guild of Theatre Directors, said, “Our overall objective for hosting this year’s festival in the light of the pandemic is to contribute to the positive messaging to the artists communities about devising very practical ways to still earn our living by adapting to our new realities while Covid19 is still very much around. As you know, we are alternative in our approach with special focus on the multidisciplinary medium of expressions and our mantra is Open Access. We are a platform for all kinds of work, not just theatre”.
“The theme of the festival was inspired by the experiences of the recent times where everything has changed from a level of systemic growth to an unknown variable in just a few months. I mean with all that has happened or still happening globally and digitally, as well as, the innovative ways we have adapted through it only reinforces our intention to present this artistic celebration of the Lagos Fringe as a symbol of our continued resilience, especially within the creative communities”, the festival director explained.
According to the director, this year, the organisers want the work, performances, artists and the outlook of the festival to reflect the hybrid nature of the festival where 50 percent of the experience would be in the digital space and 50 percent will be physical interactions with social distancing measures in place.
“We are also working round the clock to design our online presence to reflect a more interactive and exciting view from the live venues, so it is not monotonous and static in presentation”, the festival director explained further.
Meanwhile, the festival partners for this edition include; Goethe Institut, Freedom Park and Orijin with support from the United States Consulate General.
Lagos Fringe has grown in the number of performances, as well as, in the size of participants and audience engagement since its launch in 2018. In November 2018 and 2019, the festival held for eight days and six days respectively, featuring over 156 shows in about 21 venues with a combined attendance of over 5500 people. The Lagos Fringe hashtag has over 85 million impressions on social media. A feat they hope to double in the coming weeks.
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