VCR Fest Melbourne 2020

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Never let a lockdown stand in the way of a good party, and Melbourne Fringe is always one of the best parties around! In this year where nothing is the same as usual, the Melbourne Fringe organisers have decided to offer a second event to their adoring public. The Fringe Common Rooms at Trades Hall (now firmly established as Melbourne Fringe Hub) will become the venue of a digital festival - VCR ('Virtual Common Room') Fest, over the three days of the festival, which takes place from Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August.

This year has been particularly difficult on the performing arts, which has been recognised by the event organisers. Simon Abrahams, Melbourne Fringe Creative Director and CEO said:

"Somehow, we are creating not one, but two festivals this year. We are responding to an urgent need to create, present and consume art, and so that means making two festivals this year. VCR Fest celebrates the values of our home at Trades Hall - solidarity, rebellion and collective actions - things we need now, more than ever."

The vibrant program comprises a mix of local and international live-streamed performances, live music, dance parties, workshops, and even a comedy quiz - all available to you from the safety and comfort of your home.

Kick off your festival with Fringe Fridays: A Virtual Comedy Quiz, a fun social night and comedy quiz, featuring special guests multi-instrumentalist Victoria Falconer-Pritchard (Fringe Wives Club) and cabaret star Reuben Kaye.

First Nations artist Joel Bray will present his immersive performance Biladurang 2.0 live from a Melbourne hotel. Loosely based on the traditional Wiradjuri story of the platypus, here's your opportunity to see his multi-award winning solo work that is physical, tender, funny and dark - and now pixilated!

If you have a deeper interest in digital art, you may be interested in signing up for a workshop, such as Creating Digital Art or Talking Digital Art.

VCR Fest is aiming to recreate the live experience of attending a show, including audiences debriefing with their fellow attendees (via a chat room function) and live event recommendations from other artists. So why not make a date with some friends - even if they're in another house - to laugh, dance or learn your way through VCR Fest? Dress down, get comfortable, pour your favourite drink, and be prepared to be entertained.