Edinburgh na Vltavě

If one needed any further proof that the annual Prague Fringe Festival is gaining in acclaim, you need only look at the international press that's been generated about it weeks in advance of its Friday opening. The London Times ran an excellent piece on the festival, quickly followed by another favorable take in The Guardian. Even The New York Times is paying attention, in a slipshod, though heartfelt, piece that ran last week.

There's plenty to write about. The Fringe Fest has become one of the premiere theater festivals in the Czech Republic, showcasing companies from around the world, many of which have proven themselves at the holiest of Fringe holies, Edinburgh.

This year's festival boasts 34 shows, with a combined total of 190 performances. The scheduling is such that it is humanly possible (just) to see practically everything. As in years past, I will attempt to do just that, and there will be daily reviews of the festival posted on The Prague Post's Web site (Praguepost.com/fringe).

If you're a Prague Fringe habitué, you'll be happy to know that a number of favorite groups are back, particularly The Voice and the Verse, Topping and Butch and singer Andi Neate. For Fringe virgins, the following is a list of the most promising productions, which also point up the wealth of work on offer.

The New Victorian Manifesto Last year, there was a mash-up between Bach and Bukowski. This year, the French company New Victorian Set performs songs inspired by Thomas Hardy and Emily Bronte with the aid of a synth, baroque harpsichord and eclectic (sic) guitar. Vocalist/keyboardist Nick Pagan has worked with the Velvet Underground and Siouxsie and the Banshees. Kavárna 3+1, May 28-30

The Last Man in Europe - A Portrait of George Orwell British actor Michael McEvoy made his Prague Fringe debut last year with a one-man show on Machiavelli. Now, he's returning with his newest piece, on George Orwell. A Studio Rubín, May 26-30

David Benson Sings Noel Coward A contemporary of Orwell, but an Englishman of a different kidney. Writer-actor David Benson is no stranger to Coward, having played the great Witch of Capri in the BBC series Goodnight, Sweetheart. In his Edinburgh Fringe Award-winning turn, Benson becomes the man and his music, performing "Mad Dogs and Englishmen," "London Pride" and "Mrs. Worthington." The Daily Telegraph wrote, "David Benson has struck gold again. He becomes the master as he sings." Kostel Sv. Jana Křtitele na Prádle, May 24-30

Red Peter Kafka's story A Report to an Academy seems to have become part of the current zeitgeist, as there have been two recent stage adaptations of it in Britain (most recently with Theatre de Complicité's superb Kathryn Hunter at the Young Vic in London). Gordon Duffy-McGhie's own version has received high praise in the UK for its muscular physicality in bringing to life Kafka's civilized ape (pictured on the cover). Divadlo na Prádle - Kavárna, May 22-30

La Ronde Another piece of Central European literature is given a new interpretation, with the Norwegian Kompani Krapp turning Schnitzler's fin de siecle sex romp into an erotic black comedy. Performed in English. Divadlo na Prádle, May 24-28

In a Thousand Pieces Sex seen from a completely different angle, this time from the Paper Birds theater company, which this paper named the "hit of the Fringe" last year. The critically acclaimed Leeds-based company of actresses takes on the British sex trade. The Scotsman called In a Thousand Pieces a "sharp, compassionate, deeply felt show." Divadlo na Prádle, May 25-30

Canarsie Suite - At the Edge of Vaudeville There aren't many American performers at this year's festival, undoubtedly due to the economy. But those who are coming seem to be concentrating on two of America's great "low" theaters: Vaudeville and burlesque (see below). Canarsie Suite is the story of vaudevillians Birdie and Gladys, who find themselves living in the last days of Vaudeville. It was an unqualified success at the New York International Clown Theater Festival, with its skillful balance between farce and drama. Divadlo Inspirace, May 22-30

Kubrilesque Eclectic guitar and Emily Bronte, meet Stanley Kubrick and the burlesque stylings of Miss Crystal Swarovski and Miss Nancy Sin Ultra. Los Angeles-based Cherry Kiss Burlesque pays tribute to the films of Stanley Kubrick with some burrly-q-ing bumps and grinds. Divadlo na Prádle, May 22-30

Cactus - The Seduction From Canada comes Jonno Katz and his lone-actor piece that's won praise from Toronto to Melbourne. The Le Coq-trained Katz is finally making his European debut in his own work. Toronto Eye Magazine called Cactus "perhaps the only show in the [Toronto] Fringe that can be described as both 'Brechtian' and 'Pants-wettingly hilarious.' " Divadlo Inspirace, May 22-30

Adults' Monodrama - Hansel and Gretel, the End of the Fairy Tale Israeli actress Florence Fisch-Hachman skillfully combines a contemporary family drama with the tale of the two children lost in the woods, in a multimedia production that includes puppetry and music. This fairy tale for adults has received high praise in Israel, and the piece is performed in English. Divadlo na Prádle, May 22-24

Steffen Silvis can be reached at
ssilvis@praguepost.com