Bunbury Fringe 2023: Next generation of creative artists to take the stage in special WAAPA double bill

Bunbury Fringe audiences will have an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the next generation of creative artists emerging from the State’s premier performing arts university.

A group of students from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts have ventured into town as they gear up to perform their original shows during Bunbury Fringe Festival.

The Tronox Theatre will set the stage for a double bill of original works created by the dance and performance students on Monday with audiences set to expect contemporary themes and a passion for innovation in the works.

The WAAPA students will perform Service with a Smile, which is described as a comedic pantomime exploring hospitality and providing a fun slice of life at a 1950s diner, as well as Home is an Open Heart, a solo dance performance by Grace White exploring open-heartedness and finding peace and freedom through dance.

In the lead-up to Monday’s performances, the six students have spent the past couple of weeks developing and perfecting their works.

Ms White said she was “super excited” to have the opportunity to work in a regional town that has been supportive of the creative development of her work.

“I think especially being at the ECU South West campus, where there is a lot of green space, I find that it’s really peaceful, quiet and nurturing for a creative process,” she said.

“I’m really excited to be sharing it with a regional audience that might not have seen contemporary dance before either.

“I’m really keen to kind of share and demystify that.”

Sarah Milde described the experience of spending time in Bunbury rehearsing ahead of Bunbury Fringe as a “retreat”.

“I have to keep pinching myself and remind myself that I’m actually doing this,” she said.

“It’s crazy. I feel like a little kid going to kindergarten and just making up a play. It’s absurd that I get to actually do this and in such a beautiful place as well.”

Renee-Louise Bottern echoed Ms Milde’s sentiments about having the opportunity to have dedicated rehearsal time in what she describes as a “beautiful” place.

“It’s been so nice to have the full rehearsal time to figure this out and have fun with it as well,” she said.

“Our shows are something that’s really fun and brings a lot of joy to us, so we’re excited to share that joy around and get some laughter.

“It’s a really exciting opportunity.”

Along with the excitement of performing original works in front of a regional audience, Rudi Palmela said he and the other students were also excited to see other acts during the festival.

“We’re really excited to see other shows and what Bunbury has to offer,” he said.

Bunbury Fringe starts on January 20.