Fringe 2022 program hits the streets despite Omicron chaos

Director Heather Croall has confirmed subsidies are being sought for those working on shows that have no choice but to cancel when they or their colleagues test positive. Such a guarantee would give performers the confidence to go ahead and stage their productions.“We are in discussion with the SA government about funds that could be unlocked for events in the Fringe affected by Covid mid-season, in line with the current SA government event cancellation fund,” she said. The 2022 Adelaide Fringe guide hits the streets today, ahead of the February 18 to March 20 festival.Performer Annie Schofield said she would welcome any financial help. “People in the arts haven’t been given any government support so I am all for it – this is our bread and butter,” she said.Last year the Covid-hit Fringe’s smaller, mostly local program generated $56.4m economic benefit compared to 2020’s record $96.7m.This year’s program includes big interstate names such as Katie Noonan, Wil Anderson and Dave Hughes. Ms Croall said ticket sales were up to 200 per cent compared to this time last year. She said organisers would love to be at maximum capacity but would keep working with SA Health and “within all guidelines and restrictions”. Premier Steven Marshall said the festival season would go ahead but under specific rules.“When it comes to what is often referred to as ‘Mad March’ … thinking about the Fringe, the (Adelaide) Festival, WOMAD and a range of smaller events across the state, they will all be subject to Covid management plans,” Mr Marshall said.For now, Fringe organisers are sticking to a decision announced in December that audiences would not require full vaccination unless mandated by the state government or individual venues. Under current health advice anyone who has had two jabs is fully vaccinated. At this stage, the Fringe’s largest and most popular venues, the Garden of Unearthly Delights and Gluttony, require adults to be fully vaccinated. Gluttony has also specified children over 12 must be fully vaccinated. Adults at Adelaide Festival and WOMADelaide must also be fully vaccinated. The 2022 Adelaide Fringe guide will be available from more than 150 collection points including Foodland supermarkets, BankSA branches, registered Fringe venues and the festival’s box office in Rundle Mall.On its cover is artwork by Indigenous artist Mali Isabel. The state government was contacted for comment on possible financial assistance.

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January 12, 2022 at 12:30AM
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Director Heather Croall has confirmed subsidies are being sought for those working on shows that have no choice but to cancel when they or their colleagues test positive. Such a guarantee would give performers the confidence to go ahead and stage their productions.“We are in discussion with the SA government about funds that could be unlocked for events in the Fringe affected by Covid mid-season, in line with the current SA government event cancellation fund,” she said. The 2022 Adelaide Fringe guide hits the streets today, ahead of the February 18 to March 20 festival.Performer Annie Schofield said she would welcome any financial help. “People in the arts haven’t been given any government support so I am all for it – this is our bread and butter,” she said.Last year the Covid-hit Fringe’s smaller, mostly local program generated $56.4m economic benefit compared to 2020’s record $96.7m.This year’s program includes big interstate names such as Katie Noonan, Wil Anderson and Dave Hughes. Ms Croall said ticket sales were up to 200 per cent compared to this time last year. She said organisers would love to be at maximum capacity but would keep working with SA Health and “within all guidelines and restrictions”. Premier Steven Marshall said the festival season would go ahead but under specific rules.“When it comes to what is often referred to as ‘Mad March’ … thinking about the Fringe, the (Adelaide) Festival, WOMAD and a range of smaller events across the state, they will all be subject to Covid management plans,” Mr Marshall said.For now, Fringe organisers are sticking to a decision announced in December that audiences would not require full vaccination unless mandated by the state government or individual venues. Under current health advice anyone who has had two jabs is fully vaccinated. At this stage, the Fringe’s largest and most popular venues, the Garden of Unearthly Delights and Gluttony, require adults to be fully vaccinated. Gluttony has also specified children over 12 must be fully vaccinated. Adults at Adelaide Festival and WOMADelaide must also be fully vaccinated. The 2022 Adelaide Fringe guide will be available from more than 150 collection points including Foodland supermarkets, BankSA branches, registered Fringe venues and the festival’s box office in Rundle Mall.On its cover is artwork by Indigenous artist Mali Isabel. The state government was contacted for comment on possible financial assistance.