Get To Know The 2024 Fringe Festival Artists: Edition #4
War and Play: A Clown Odyssey of Survival, Danielle Levsky
The 2024 Philadelphia Fringe Festival is sadly almost over, but we still have well over more than a hundred shows and events left! Why don’t we find out more about the artists behind these incredible projects! Read about the artists and their stories below!
War and Play: A Clown Odyssey of Survival, Danielle Levsky
Meet Dani
FringeArts: Hey there, welcome to the blog! Why don’t you tell us a little about yourself. What’s your name, where are you from, where are you now, and how did you hear about the 2024 Philadelphia Fringe Festival?
Dani: Hiya! My name is Dani Levsky (they/she). I’m a multidisciplinary artist focusing on clown, writing, and education. I love making and seeing work that thrives on radical joy! I’m originally from Chicago, but moved to Philly in late August of last year. I heard about Philly Fringe long before I made the decision to move to Philly, and then was pleasantly surprised to learn that we were moving JUST in time for the festival last year. I was so excited, invigorated, and inspired by all the performances I saw, the friends and connections I made, and the opportunity I got to perform (my partner and I hosted an unhinged clown cooking show in our kitchen). I’m so excited I get to be part of the 2024 Philly Fringe Fest this year! What an honor and delight.
FringeArts: Well welcome to Philly! So what show are you presenting in the 2024 Philly Fringe Festival?
Dani: I’m presenting “War and Play: A Clown Odyssey of Survival.” It’s an interactive, devised clown show that explores the power of joy in the face of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The story follows a queer clown couple, Vira and Nadiya, whose peaceful world is shattered after Russia launches its attack on their homeland. A third clown join us, and transforms to embody various characters one by meet as you navigate a life impacted by war. Together, the three of us take the audience on an emotional journey ranging from fanciful optimism to sudden, wrenching grief. The show uses clowning’s unique capacity for vulnerability to express universal human experiences and connect with everyone in the room.
War and Play: A Clown Odyssey of Survival, Danielle Levsky
Sept 24-25th at the MAAS
Theater, Part of Cannonball
FringeArts: So Dani, let’s get to know you a bit more, how did you get into the arts? Can you talk a little bit about your connection to clowning?
Dani: What drew me to this clowny life is the arts’ unique ability to connect to other people and create shared empathy. As a child of Soviet Jewish refugees, I grew up with frequent stories of how my family overcame the most difficult moments in their life through having a sense of humor. Through clowning and physical theater, I found a universal language to explore diaspora, identity, and survival. I think the arts allow us to touch hearts and souls, challenge people’s expectations and perspectives, and find light in the darkest of moments – that’s what keeps me passionate about life overall.
FringeArts: Wow, amazing how you’ve begun to integrate those two worlds. And since you’re pretty new to Philly, what are currently your favorite things to do or venture for here?
Dani: I love exploring Philly’s arts scene, especially little hole in the wall, DIY shows. There’s such a rich tradition of physical theater, music, art, and clowning here. I also really enjoy wandering or biking along the Schuylkill River – it’s one of my favorite things to do to reset, people watch, or just take the city in.
FringeArts: Let’s get to know you a little more, if you could be any food or meal, what would you turn yourself into?
Dani: I’d be borscht – a hearty soup that was a staple in my house growing up. You can frequently find it in both Ukrainian and Jewish cuisine. Borscht contains beef, a variety of vegetables (mostly root and cabbage), and of course, beets! I typically eat it with a sour cream and green onion garnish. Like my artistic practice, borscht is a blend of different elements coming together to create something nourishing and full of depth. It’s both comforting, simple, and also filling, which feels reflective of life overall!
FringeArts: A great choice! And are there any shows in particular that you’re excited to see or have seen in this year’s festival?
Dani: I’m excited to see as many physical theater and experimental pieces as I can! Some shows that particularly caught my eye:
“Funeral for the Death Machines” by Dusky Projects – I’m intrigued by the concept of a musical about guns and bullets on their last night on Earth.
“PONYA” by ANKOLE – The aerial acts highlighting BIPOC and queer bodies in the healthcare system sound incredibly powerful!
“Bears Tonight” by Andrew Simon – I’m always interested in innovative theater for young audiences!
I’m also excited to support my fellow clowns like John Miller’s “Dead Dad Show.”
The diversity of styles and stories in this year’s festival is really inspiring!
FringeArts: Such interesting shows, all current in discussion regarding the arts, exploring how to have these conversations. No doubt, they’re all great! Well, it was a pleasure having you here Dani! Before we wrap things up, is there anything else you’d like to mention? And where can we find you and more of your work?
Dani: After the festival, you can find me teaching clown classes and Fool’s Yoga workshops, hosting the monthly Philly Clown Slam and Full Moon on Fire shows, and developing new work. I’m always excited to connect with fellow artists and clowns! You can follow my adventures and connect with me on Instagram @criticturnedclown or check out my website at criticturnedclown.squarespace.com to learn more about what I’m up to.
FringeArts: Lastly, what has been your most favorite part in working on your show for this year’s festival?
Dani: My favorite part of working on “War and Play” has been the collaborative process of devising with my incredible team. As we navigate the delicate balance between tragedy and humor, we’re discovering ways to update and expand our show to create more moments of human connection. It’s been deeply moving to see how our personal experiences – my own Post-Soviet Jewish background, our collective queer identities – inform the work and create something truly resonant. This process has reinforced my belief in clowning as a powerful tool for radical joy.
FringeArts: Awesome, Dani, thank you so much for sharing your story with us. For two nights only! Get your tickets to: War and Play: A Clown Odyssey of Survival!
Cindy of Arc, Cynthia Kaplan
Meet the Cynthia/Cindy of Arc
FringeArts: Hey there, welcome to the blog! Why don’t you tell us a little about yourself. What’s your name, where are you from, where are you now, and how did you hear about the 2024 Philadelphia Fringe Festival?
Cynthia: Hey Philly! I’m Cynthia Kaplan. I’m from New York City, grew up in Connecticut, went to Penn, moved back to NYC, and have been there ever since. I heard about the Fringe from college friends who are still making theater in Philly. So I was like, I love Philly!
FringeArts: Nice to meet you Cynthia or should I say the one and only Cindy of Arc! Tell us a little about this show you are presenting in this year’s Philly Fringe Festival?
Cynthia: Okay, now here’s the tea. I’m bringing my comedy and rock music extravaganza Cindy of Arc to the Fringe for two nights. COA is about the problem men have with lying and where that’s gotten the rest of us, particularly women. And Jews. We will be answering some our time’s most pressing questions: What is a scold’s bridle? How did Pandora get her box? Why is the Holy Ghost a ghost? Naturally, we’ll be singing about Nazis. (You may be invited to sing along. Please don’t, we don’t like that.) The show has gotten rave reviews from NYC to Seattle to Baltimore. We can’t wait to storm Philly. You don’t have to be a woman or a Jew to love the show and you can be anti-patriarchy questioning. All are welcome including dogs.
Cindy of Arc, Cynthia Kaplan/Cindy of Arc
Sept 25th at The Fire
Comedy & Improv, Music
FringeArts: So Cindy, tell us what draws you into the arts?
Cynthia: Telling the truth and making people laugh at it. And the money.
FringeArts: Money is the great bonus indeed. Now, tell us what’s your favorite thing to do in Philly?
Cynthia: Eat soft pretzels. Philly soft pretzels are and have always been superior to NYC soft pretzels.
FringeArts: She is totally correct, sorry to say. Is there any tv show or movie that you would have loved to been apart of?
Cynthia: Law & Order. I’m the only NY actor I know who hasn’t been on. Not for lack of trying. I could definitely have played the mother with Munchausen by proxy syndrome.
FringeArts: And before we let you go, where can we find you and more of your work?
Cynthia: Find me in NYC at the monthly Ruthless Comedy Hour at NY Comedy Club. Or at www.cynthiakaplan.com, @cindyofarc on FB and insta, The Cynthia Kaplan Ordeal on Youtube and iTunes.
FringeArts: Lastly, what has been your most favorite part in working on your show for this year’s festival?
Cynthia: As always, rehearsing with the band.
FringeArts: It was great getting to know you Cynthia, wishing you well for Cindy of Arc! Get your tickets today!
Beauty Tips After 40, Janine Renee Cunningham
Meet Janine… & her cat
FringeArts: Hey there, welcome to the blog! Why don’t you tell us a little about yourself. What’s your name, where are you from, where are you now, and how did you hear about the 2024 Philadelphia Fringe Festival?
Janine: My name is Janine Renee Cunningham. I’m originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, but have lived in a few different cities (Portland, New York City) before landing in Philadelphia in 2022. I absolutely love living here. As a theater-maker, the Philadelphia Fringe Festival was known to me when I lived in New York. It has a great reputation so I was excited when I moved her to start becoming a part of it.
FringeArts: Hiya Janine! I’m excited to get to know about your show that you’re presenting in the Digital Fringe! Could you talk a little more about your Fringe experience?
Janine: So, last year I presented an immersive show called Object Transfer Station. This year I decided I wanted to take part in the burgeoning Digital Fringe Festival. All good fringe festivals are about new and creative live performances, but here is a fun fact – I spent about 10 days of my first Philly Fringe festival with Covid and ended up missing a lot. Digital Fringe helped me feel connected while I was at home. I had a blast watching all the videos.
My video is called Beauty Tips for Women after 40. It’s short, punchy, and absurd, and it involves pizza and dirt.
Beauty Tips for Women after 40, Janine Renee Cunningham
Sept 23-30th, Digital Fringe
Film, Comedy & Improv
FringeArts: I mean obviously dirt and pizza very well belong in a beauty routine! The grease is really good for the pores. And dirt is natural, the less chemicals the better! So Janine tell us what you find most engaging when creating art?
Janine: Creating work and art is a form a knowledge creation. It helps me understand the world in a very unique way. It’s like speaking another language. That is the only thing that powers me through the fake scarcity mindset and baseless meritocracy imposed on us by funding institutions.
FringeArts: You tell ’em. Are there any shows in particular you looking forward to seeing/ have seen from the festival?
Janine: I would not miss,”What is the Butt Game”, “The Fluxus Brothers Present: Good Art Bad Art”, “Sohrab is Bumbling Foriegner” and obviously “Nose Job”.
FringeArts: Bound to have a good experience at any/all of those shows! So in your mind, what would be the absolute most perfect day known to ever exist?
Janine: It tends to involve waking up early, making a breakthrough on a creative project, getting quality hang time with my cats, cleaning, and then socializing with neighbors or friends. It must also involve sun. It might involve a chill swim at the Ridgeway Pool.
FringeArts: That’s a great day, I need a day full of sunshine and glow, but fall is coming up and the spooky fog is going to be great! Well, before we go, where can we find you and more of Janine and maybe her beauty tips?
Janine: I’m begrudgingly on Instagram @janinereneecunningham
FringeArts: We look forward to that and lastly, what has been your most favorite part in working on your show for this year’s festival?
Janine: Always the people! Shout out to Addy Birkes, who is filming.
FringeArts: Thank you for hanging out with us on the blog Janine. And thank you audience! For more information on Beauty Tips for Women after 40 click HERE! See y’all soon!
Miss Angie's Burlesque Bingo, Stephanie Griffiths
Meet Stephanie
FringeArts: Hey there, welcome to the blog! Why don’t you tell us a little about yourself. What’s your name, where are you from, where are you now, and how did you hear about the 2024 Philadelphia Fringe Festival?
Stephanie: Hi! My name is Stephanie! I am a South Jersey girl, born and raised! I heard about Fringe Festival 2024 from going to shows during Fringe last year!
FringeArts: Nice to meet you Stephanie! So, let’s get to know you a little better, tell us what you are presenting in this year’s Philly Fringe Festival?
Stephanie: The show I am presenting is Miss Angie’s Burlesque Bingo! This show has been a total labor of love. People get to come escape from life for a little while, dance in your seat, sing along, maybe win some prizes, and just have fun! This whole show is about empowerment, inclusivity, and being able to be yourself and let loose for a while. We are an all female run production, being hosted by a female owned and operated theater. It’s my personal mission to make everyone feel comfortable and party of the Burlyq Bingo family while being present at this show. It is my favorite show I have ever been a part of, simply because of how fun it is. Trust me when I say, Burlesque Bingo is A VIBE.
Miss Angie’s Burlesque Bingo, Stephanie Griffiths
Sept 26th at the Red Rum Theater
Theater, Cabaret & Nightlife, Immersive/Interactive Experience
FringeArts: So Stephanie, what is the greatest gift you feel you’ve been given as an artist?
Stephanie: The freedom to be who you are. You get to connect to the most authentic part of yourself, all while putting it out there for the world to see. Even if it is scary at times, it is a freeing experience. Art makes me feel more comfortable expressing how I feel, my traumas, my experiences, all of these parts of my life that haven’t always been easy to share. I am so grateful for the chance to connect with others who may resonate with these experiences. Being in Fringe with this show is nothing but pure joy after coming out of a long spiral of depressing and self doubt. It is exciting to have a platform to celebrate that artistically.
FringeArts: Amazing, love to hear it! If you could transform yourself into any food in the world, what would you choose?
Stephanie: Oh that’s hard, but I think I would be a cheese board. Deliciously cheesy, familiar or funky, with lots of fun little extras on the side!
FringeArts: That’s an extremely valid choice. And, it’s a great one! Just image being cheese on the best charcuterie board, irresistible. So, you’ve turned yourself into one thing, but what if you could time travel to take yourself anywhere. Where would you go?
Stephanie: I would love to teleport to Salem to celebrate Summerween!
FringeArts: Ooo I like the way you think! Alright back to the actual questions, are you hoping to see any other particular shows in the festival?
Stephanie: I am SO excited for Gunnar Montana’s BlackWood: Winter Born. My sister and I have been following his shows for years, and we always attend together!
FringeArts: Let me just say, it was so good! You will not regret it! Stephanie is there anything you’d like to share with us? And where can we find you and more of your work?
Stephanie: I am SO thankful and excited to be part of Fringe this year with so many talented artists! After the festival, find me (hopefully) planning many more shows and events! Let’s connect and make some art! @s_griff_ facebook.com/angeleiner
FringeArts: Lastly, what has been your most favorite part in working on your show for this year’s festival?
Stephanie: Getting to meet so many wonderful people and talented artists! It’s an overwhelming feeling to be surrounded with these creative people as my peers.
FringeArts: Everyone get your tickets to Miss Angie’s Burlesque Bingo where everyone’s a winner!
When Did Everything Change?, Dylan Gilbert
Meet Dylan
FringeArts: Hey there, welcome to the blog! Why don’t you tell us a little about yourself. What’s your name, where are you from, where are you now, and how did you hear about the 2024 Philadelphia Fringe Festival?
Dylan: Hi, my name is Dylan Gilbert. I’m a songwriter and performer from Charlotte, NC currently living in Philadelphia, PA. This will be my third Fringe Festival in Philly, and first that I’m performing in.
FringeArts: Nice to meet you Dylan! And welcome back. Tell us a little about the show you are presenting in this year’s Philly Fringe Festival?
Dylan: The name of my show is When Did Everything Change? — It’s a concert, with elements of performance art and film, featuring songs from a trilogy of albums that’ll I’ve released over the past 4 years. It deals with themes of love, grief and social politics in modern times and also with ideas surrounding performance and authenticity.
When Did Everything Change?, Dylan Gilbert
Sept 26-28th at Icebox Project Space Gallery
Music, Part of Cannonball
FringeArts: Dylan, tell us how or why you became an artist? What is it that drew you in?
Dylan: A combination of many many things… My parents are also musicians, so the arts were always present in my home growing up. I think it was mostly this idea that art was a new way to express myself. That was at the heart of why I started making music early on. Also, I was always attracted to this idea of art breaking the rules. Being an artist meant that I didn’t need to “be normal” or act like everyone else. Nobody likes rules.
FringeArts: Meant to be! If you could be on any tv show, what would you choose?
Dylan: I’ve always wanted to be a contestant on Super Market Sweep.
FringeArts: That’s honestly sounds so fun! I don’t know how well I’d do, but I’m certain it’d be amusing to run around like a chicken. Well beyond that show, are you hoping to see any other particular shows in the festival?
Dylan: My partner Sarah Ingel is performing a work called Pomegranate (that I’ve also written music for) and I’m super excited to see that work in it’s final form.
FringeArts: Aweee, that’s great! Before we let you go, where can we find you and more of your work?
Dylan: You can find me on social media: @dylangilbertmusic on Instagram, Youtube & Facebook — My music is also on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, etc.
FringeArts: Lastly, what has been your most favorite part in working on your show for this year’s festival?
Dylan: This work has been gestating for quite a while. A lot of whats going into this performance was first dreamt up before the pandemic, so it’s been a thrill to have the opportunity to complete this project after all this time.
FringeArts: Well thanks for hanging around the blog Dylan! It was great to meet you. Everyone get your tickets to When Did Everything Change? Be sure to check out the next edition of Get to Know the 2024 Philly Fringe Festival Artists, coming up!
Don’t forget to head to PhillyFringe.org to plan your 2024 Fringe Festival, September 5th-29th!
