Melbourne Fringe at Fed Square
This Melbourne Fringe, Fed Square becomes the hub for celebrating 10 years of Deadly Fringe, with new, participatory public art experiences by renowned First Peoples artists. Drop in to experience a daily communal dance ritual, catch roving contemporary circus, and explore art that connect with landscape, wildlife and Country.
Wiradjuri choreographer Joel Bray transforms the heart of the city into Dhandha / Campfire — a living, breathing meeting place built around the ancient democracy of the circle, where strangers become dancers and the city remembers how to connect. Meanwhile, Australia’s leading First Nations-led contemporary circus company tears through the square with Ocker, a roving acrobatic spectacle that lays down track in real time and drags the city along for the ride. No two moments the same.
Inside the Koorie Heritage Trust, Central and Eastern Arrernte artist Georgia Boseley’s Weaving the Everywhen invites quiet reflection — a sculptural landscape of ceramic vessels and woven grasses that asks us to consider what an Indigenous deep future might offer a planet in crisis.
All events are free, open to all, and happening right across the Square.
Deadly Fringe
29 September–18 October, all day | Western Terrace
Throughout Melbourne Fringe, Fed Square will be home to Dhandha/ Campfire – a public, participatory art experience and meeting place devised and curated by renowned Wiradjuri choreographer Joel Bray. Dhandha will bring the essence of campfire to the heart of the city.
29 September, 8 October + 15 October, various times | Western Terrace
Lose yourself. Find everyone else. Joel Bray throws a party at Fed Square. Dhandha / Campfire turns up the heat. This is when the DJs take over and the dance moves come out.
15 October, 5.30pm–6.50pm + 18 October, 1pm–2.20pm | Main Square, Swanston St Forecourt + The Atrium
Australia’s leading First Nations-led contemporary circus company present a brand new moveable acrobatic work throughout Fed Square as part of Melbourne Fringe.
29 September–22 November, 10am–5pm | Koorie Heritage Trust
In Weaving the Everywhen, award-winning Central and Eastern Arrernte artist Georgia Boseley transforms the gallery into an immersive sculptural landscape of scarred ceramic vessels and woven seasonal grasses. The work asks audiences to reflect on their relationship with their natural environment and consider a future shaped by Indigenous systems of reciprocity, relation and care for Country.