After selecting the most exciting and diverse range of shows possible, from over 300 proposals, Gothenburg Fringe 2018 is beginning to take shape and we are proud to release the first batch of shows to feature in the third edition of our festival, which takes place on 23-27 August.
The following shows represent the plethora of genres on offer at the Fringe and the international flavour you can expect to see, with dozens of acts from around the world set to join some remarkable local talent with shows to satisfy every taste.
Our tagline ‘The city is our stage’ is also clear to see in this batch of performers as we present a mixture of shows taking place indoors and out, on the move, in site-specific venues as well as traditional theatre spaces.
Take a look at our first eight shows for yourself...
The Sea Widow by Stigberg Immersive
What happens when the person you love dies at sea? Sara, a young woman in 1920's Gothenburg, must overcome the emotional trauma of losing her fiancé, as well as the cultural obstacles facing a single woman of the time.
Set in and around the historical Gathenhielmska House, the audience are immersed in Sara’s world and have the freedom to choose the perspective from which they view her story.
Are we still here?
Unaccompanied youths in Gothenburg present music, art and poetry. The project name reflects the uncertainty connected to being a refugee. The participants are all in different stages of the asylum process - a couple have received a grant to stay, at least for a limited time, and others are still, after almost three years, waiting for their final decision.
From the 1850s to the early 1920s more than 1.5 million Swedes left their country due to poverty and starvation. Many sailed from Gothenburg to the US. Now the city has inhabitants who all made the same very difficult decision to leave their home country in search of safety and a real chance in life.
Will they all still be here when it's time for the festival?
The Soft Revolution of Goth Punk Poetry
by Louise & Henke + Nadja Itäsaari
Do you want to experience loneliness together? Erase the wall between good and bad, stage and audience.
If you find it hard to be a human being who follows the straight line. Then you share something with ”The Soft Revolution of Goth Punk Poetry” – a poetic, musical and performative trio that consists of Louise Halvardsson, Henrik Mimerson and Nadja Itäsaari. Back for their second year at the Fringe.
The only Jew in Gothenburg
by Aaron Zarabi
Aaron Zarabi is a comedian temporarily seeking asylum from the current American political climate as the only Jew in Gothenburg.
His show provides a unique perspective on what it’s like to be a foreigner in a place that looks like Hitler’s wet dream.
The Pink Hulk: One Women's Journey to Find the Superhero Within Written and performed by Valerie David
Now battling breast cancer after fighting off lymphoma, Valerie does something most people facing cancer for the second time in their life probably wouldn't think of doing.
With a fear that she might lose the girls, she takes them out for one last hurrah — and a cancer diagnosis means only one thing: Time to get laid! And does Valerie succeed? Is there a "happy" ending?
This sexy, award-winning, adventurous solo show follows Valerie's journey to seek her own "hulk-like" strength to find her superhero within. An empowering and true story of inspiration! With plenty of humour — guaranteed! Artwork: Rebecca Kalant
Die Blaue Stunde (The Blue Hour) by Amelia Jane Hunter
Die Blaue Stunde charters the span of freedom, the hour of dreaming and the subterranean paradise of Berlin.
An unstoppable adventurer and elusive chameleon, Amelia Jane Hunter will stop at nothing in her quest to discover what she never learnt in finishing school - love, compassion and the depths of a darkroom.
Cloud Catcher by Space of Movement
An interactive performance of dance and movement specifically for babies from 6 to 18 months old and their parents.
Cloud Catcher creates a place which is warm and gentle, where babies can be as they like, were they are entertained by sound, image and touch.
Rejoining Jane by Tick Tock Bridget
In Rejoining Jane, the performers and audience delve into the story of knitwear-clad Jane, the eccentric traveller, journeying from Bromley to Papua New Guinea (via Ibiza!) with various escapades and secrets that unfold along the way...
We are thrilled to be hosting these eight shows and dozens more in Gothenburg on 23-27 August.
More and more shows will be revealed over the coming weeks, before releasing the full programme, including performance times and venues, in June.
If you wish to be among the first to learn about the new shows we release and how to get your hands on tickets for the Gothenburg Fringe, simply sign up for our mailing list at the bottom of the page.