SASKATOON — Various performers had their chance to showcase their talents on the streets of Broadway for this year’s Fringe Festival, a 10-day cultural event that celebrates the weird and wonderful world of the arts.
The festival runs from Thursday, Aug. 1, to Saturday, Aug. 10. Residents can enjoy watching local and international performers or check out the popup shops, where different arts and crafts are sold.
David Shields, who has been busking for about four years, is a local street performer who entertains the crowd with magic tricks he has learned and perfected. He has been practicing magic for over a decade.
“It has been so long; I no longer remember when I started,” Shields added with a laugh. “I think magic has an interesting spot in the arts. It is one of the few art forms that forces you to suspend belief.”
“Like in plays, you have to come in a way to believe whatever is going on the stage. With magic, it kind of drags you into it. I think that gives you an interesting opportunity to tell stories. Tales that can show how type of performer you want to be.”
The Saskatoon native — joined by jugglers, musicians, acrobats and other performing artists on Broadway from 10th and 12th streets — added the moment of mystery in magic that drives people to imagine.
The Fringe is Saskatoon’s 10-day community where different performers showcase their talents, and works by various local artists are displayed. The event celebrates creativity and even helped launch some of the best shows and performers.
