Jake Mace
Hannah Illingworth is the Director of Darwin Fringe Festival, which launches this month on July 11th and will run until the 20th in venues across Larrakia [Darwin] in Australia’s Northern Territory. The festival features a broad-ranging programme of theatre, comedy, music, cabaret, live events, workshops and much more. The programme particularly showcases and celebrates local stories, with over 300 Territorian artists making up over 70% of the programme.
We caught up with Hannah on Territory Day ahead of the festival’s launch for a pixelated pint, to find out more about what makes the festival special and the city unique. Check out the full programme for Darwin Fringe Festival online here.
Jake: What makes Darwin Fringe a particularly special festival for you?
Hannah: Darwin Fringe is so special because we’re a small City with a big bite. It’s a lot of act local, think global and it’s amazing as it’s a community that is constantly trying to change the narrative about who lives here and what goes on (the rest of Australia thinks we’re a cowboy town, which look we kind of are sometimes…). There’s so much community support and compassion which can be seen by the venues through to audiences. With the program we try to create an environment where everyone can come as they are, where critical thinking and creativity feel celebrated. Personally it’s special because I’ve been given so many opportunities to grow which have moulded who I am and for that I am forever grateful.
Jake: Is there anything you particularly look forward to in the run-up to Fringe season?
Hannah: Obviously the weather haha, our Fringe is in July which is “winter” for Australia which for us is 25° days with sunny skies, we call it the “dry” season. In all seriousness, I always look forward to the energy of the artists and solving problems. I love helping people to prepare their shows by providing resources and reminders which sounds kind of lame but it feels so special to be a part of that. Sharing the program is beautiful too because everyone responds so differently.
Jake: What is one thing in Darwin that no visitor to the festival should miss?
Hannah: There’s so many amazing things from buildings such as Brown’s Mart to our decorated walls thanks to Award Winning Darwin Street Art Festival, however I want to boast about the food. We have so many incredible markets with a variety of delicious flavours, but definitely expect a lot of South Asian influences. Our proximity to places such as Malaysia make laksa a dish you can even find on breakfast menus. Our restaurant, bar and cafe scene is also really exciting right now don’t get me wrong (think chilli mango martinis and grilled barramundi) but the markets are a great way to experience a good dose of culture in a smaller space with artists and businesses also making up the stall holders.
Jake: At the festival – what will you be drinking? (Alcoholic, Non-Alcoholic, Caffeinated, Un-Caffeinated, or otherwise!)
Hannah: I quit drinking coffee daily 3 years ago for sake of my anxiety haha so I’m big on fresh juice, soy matcha or this amazing kumquat and lime ice tea from the local juice bar. Later at night you’ll catch me with a jack and dry in a short glass.
Check out the full programme for Darwin Fringe Festival online here.
