At a time when most of the world is denied the pleasure of live performance, Western Australia’s Fringe World Festival and Perth Festival have provided a beacon of hope for artists.

The pausing of the festivals due to Perth’s five-day lockdown has come as a blow to a community already reeling from the impact of the pandemic. Like many, cabaret performer and comedy DJ Tomás Ford welcomes the lockdown as a necessary response to WA’s first COVID case outside quarantine since April 2020, but has grave concerns for artists.

“For [Fringe World] performers, the lockdown has meant cancellation of shows, with many of them already in a difficult position due to lost work, scarce opportunities and closed borders,” remarks Ford. “On top of losing their income from ticket sales, many are facing losing the money they’d invested in producing their own work.”

That’s why Ford, whose own Fringe World show closed just before the lockdown began, has organised “Lockstock”, an online variety fundraising show that will take place Thursday 4 February at 8pm AWST and will be streamed on multiple online channels, including YouTube, Twitch TV and Facebook.

The line-up includes comedy, cabaret, music, circus, magic, burlesque and even animal handling! Donations made by viewers will go to Fringe World artists who have lost money invested in shows and income this week. Donations are tax deductible.

Lockstock – Online Variety Fundraiser streams at 8pm AWST, Thursday 4 February.

What happens next?

Fringe World
At the time of publication, Fringe World hopes to resume its performances and events from 7pm, Friday 5 February, whilst continuing to implement its COVID Safe Fringe plan.

Ticket holders to shows that have been cancelled this week have been contacted and refunds are being processed.

For more information head to https://fringeworld.com.au/fringefeed/news/perth-lockdown-update

How can I support artists whose shows have been cancelled?
Fringe World has suggested that those who want to support artists whose shows have been cancelled, can either purchase a ticket later in their seasons, if this is an option, or make a donation to FringeFund.org. Funds raised at FringeFund.org will be distributed evenly between the artists whose shows were cancelled this week.

It’s also worth checking the social media pages and website of specific artists and companies as some have the option for you to make a direct donation.

Perth Festival
Perth Festival, which was due to open 5 February, is postponing and rescheduling performances that were meant to be taking place over the opening weekend, including:

• Projections at City of Lights
• Tim Minchin: Apart / Together with WASO
• Ballet at the Quarry
• Archives of Humanity
• Witness Stand
• HOUSE
• STC Courtyard Sessions
• One & Many
• Dreams of Place
• Galup
• I’ll Tell You in Person.

Ticket holders will be contacted regarding rescheduling dates. The Festival has asked for patience as they work through this process, assuring ticket holders that there is no need to email or call the box office.

Lotterywest Film screenings is planned to resume on Saturday 6 February and visual arts exhibitions will open over the course of the week.

Perth Festival will continue to implement its WA Health-approved COVID safety plan.

Head to www.perthfestival.com.au for more information.

---

For WA Government updates on the COVID-19 coronavirus head to www.wa.gov.au/government/covid-19-coronavirus

Pictured top is Tomás Ford in his recent Fringe World show, ‘Have a Bath with Me?’. Photo: Karen Lowe