The first Prague Fringe was held in 2002, and like its Edinburgh counterpart has grown every year since in both size and popularity, from an audience of only 400 people then, to around 6000 most recently.
Stunning architecture, popular squares, a hearty cuisine and rich traditions that span centuries
In 2023 it will run from 22nd to 27th May and the application window for performers to register is now open until the 15th December. A mix of theatre, comedy, music, dance and storytelling promises good times at venues across the Malá Strana district in the centre of Prague, which forms the hub of events. It’s scale and level of intimacy is like Edinburgh in a bygone age.
Prague Fringe came up with innovative ways to survive the Pandemic years but faces a financial struggle similar to so many others, especially since it lost a major funding partner at the beginning of this year. Schemes are in place to raise 200,000 Kč (approx 8000 EUR), around a fifth of the low-budget expenditure incurred on the event. A new Friends of the Fringe scheme provides opportunities for people to help with this at various levels of contribution.
This year over 200 performances from some 40 different shows should fill the festival with artists from around the world. Events will run from late afternoon into the night, after which there is the Fringe Club where audience members, performers and festival staff can unwind, engage in conversation or party into the early hours. This is in addition to a huge number of late-night hangouts that make the city a party town.
Prague is internationally renowned as one of the cultural capitals of Europe with stunning architecture, popular squares, a hearty cuisine and rich traditions that span centuries. It’s always worth a visit, even without the Fringe, but this event adds another vibrant dimension to its aesthetic; well worth a trip as either a performer or a supportive tourist.
Prague Fringe Website: https://www.praguefringe.com/
