I got to experience my first Fringe Festival this past weekend. I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but was excited to see what the festival had in store for me. I found the festival to be unique, from the art to the artists themselves. It made me realize how much talent is out there, and it made me happy to see these artists given a platform to showcase their art.
The first show I attended was on Friday at LevelUp Studios. I got to see Christina J. Swanson’s performance piece, Absence. It was interesting to be able to experience a performance like this in person. The piece combines original recorded sound with improvised movement, where Swanson explores themes of identity and the effects of silence. The piece was inspired by a period in Swanson’s life where she could not speak or sing (she’s a trained opera singer) for three months. She uses the notes taken on her iPhone during those months as the soundtrack for the performance.
Going into Absence, I was not aware of the background of the piece. That being said, I was still able to follow along with the bigger themes. I saw a woman who was struggling to be heard, constantly having to apologize for who she is, and feeling unwanted and unappreciated in her own life. I think it’s something that most people can relate to, and Swanson portrays that beautifully in her performance. To me her movements expressed how she felt on the inside: scared, isolated, and full of anxiety. It was a unique performance and it truly gave you a look into someone’s insecurities and fears.
After Absence, I stuck around LevelUp Studios for David Mueller’s art exhibit Unplayable Characters. Mueller’s art is inspired by the Saturday morning cartoons he grew up with, and the pop culture he experienced throughout his life. His work is grounded in traditional painting and printmaking techniques, and most of it is painted on found and/or recycled wood. He says the wood is an affordable way for him to continue making art, but it also makes his work more accessible to the public.
Mueller’s art is both playful and complex. It feels like taking a trip through a wacky Wonderland. Some of his pieces look like a zany product logo, while some look like they would make a great tattoo. I think most people would be able to find something to appreciate about his art. It’s fun, and doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet still has depth to it. There were great pieces in his exhibit that I think would look great in someone’s home or business. Just another example of great art you can find in Pittsburgh.
My final stop during the Fringe Festival was on Sunday at the ACE Hotel. I had the chance to see Favorite Colors: A Memory Play by Pittsburgh native, Sara Baines-Miller. Based on real experiences, Favorite Colors looks at the playwright’s relationship with her best friend, Maggie. Sara is rather shy and introverted, so Maggie helps Sara to overcome her fears and break out of her shell, and try to experience life for all it’s worth. One of Maggie’s favorite questions to ask to break the ice is, “so…what’s your favorite color?” So Sara goes through a few colors and explains their meaning to her, and the attachment they have to her memories of Maggie.
Favorite Colors was the highlight of my Fringe Festival experience. It was fun, charming, sad, and an all around enjoyable play. Chelsea Noelle Forbes (Sara) and Sophia Rose Englesberg (Maggie) have great comedic timing, and had the audience laughing on a few occasions. They also have great chemistry, making you truly believe they are best friends. The playwright herself should be commended for writing such a relatable and heartwarming play. I saw quite a few audience members wiping away tears as the show finished. I don’t know whether they knew Maggie or were just that moved by the piece, but it’s definitely a testament to how wonderful the play is written and performed. Favorite Colors is a great reminder to treasure your loved ones while they are still here, and to not be afraid to break out of your shell and enjoy life every once and awhile.
Overall, I enjoyed my first Fringe Festival experience, and cannot wait to see what the next one has in store for me. Being able to see artists and work that I probably would not have known about or have had access to before was a privilege. I think this experience encouraged me to not be afraid to go off the beaten path when it comes to theater and art. I think a festival like Fringe is a great way for this kind of work to be showcased. So I definitely would recommend checking these artists out and giving the Pittsburgh Fringe Festival a try next year.
Jade Goodes is a graduate of Penn State University where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English. While attending Penn State she became the Managing Editor for the school’s literary & arts magazine, Absence. Jade has been involved with the Pittsburgh theater community since elementary school, and has performed in many productions over the years. In her free time she enjoys reading and attending all the concerts she can.
Categories: Archived Reviews