The Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival has always been known as a place where patrons can get a sensory overload, and this year’s festival is no exception.
The Fringe, which runs until Aug. 22 in Edmonton’s Old Strathcona, is home to buskers, street performers and burlesque troops, and festival-goers wouldn’t have it any other way.
“It’s what keeps people moving, keeps people entertained while they go from show to show,” said Cam Wallace, a bagpipe busker. “I don’t think it would be the same without it.”
Along one crowded thoroughfare, a silver-painted street performer strikes Elvis poses. At another, a magician shows off his card tricks.
And at the wine tent, burlesque girls attempt to lure men (and women) in.
“If you didn’t have all these different acts, you wouldn’t know what’s going on around Edmonton,” Wallace said.
