From Edinburgh in August straight to Philadelphia in September, I've gone from one Fringe to another. Philadelphia's Fringe is a younger sibling to Scotland's arts epicenter. Originally inspired by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Philadelphia Fringe is undergoing an opposite evolution.
The Edinburgh Fringe is a reaction against the Edinburgh International Festival, which is a curated festival with lots of funding and support. It's very exclusive, very small and very elite. Not many works get in. So I imagine that some enterprising individuals started it by squatting and riding the EIF's fame and marketing. And now the Fringe is better-known, bigger and more popular than the EIF.
Enter Philadelphia. Well, not really enter. Cut to Philadelphia. Inspired by the Edinburgh Fringe, the founder wanted that in his city, and the Fringe was born. It grew to become an explosion of theater in Philadelphia for two weeks in September. Then, during its life, a curated festival evolved. The Live Arts festival became a festival within a festival, with funding, support and invitations. Over the years, the Live Arts festival has grown to eclipse the Fringe, becoming better-known, bigger and more popular than the Fringe.
So you see, opposites.
I leave Edinburgh to return to my sometimes-home of Philadelphia, and having a great time in September. I love Philadelphia in September (aside from the heat that's just breaking). The city is abuzz with art and theater, all the theater artists are busy and excited, and there is tons of work available. I get to work with the best in the city, on exciting shows by companies from around the world. It's a fast-paced, lucrative, satisfying and informative two weeks.
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