Auslan interpreter to let more in the community enjoy Bunbury Fringe

Bunbury Fringe will be more accessible from next year following a $7500 grant for an Auslan interpreter to have four shows accompanied by sign language. The South West Development Commission grant will be spent across three festivals up to 2026. The first of the festival’s Auslan-supported acts will be on day two with Me, My Cult and I playing at Tronox Theatre. The show by comedian Colin Ebsworth, is a recounting of his life and family after being raised in a cult. The second show is Off Chops, a ”riot of comedy, high-flying acrobatics, and trashy dancing” playing on Sunday, January 21 at the Alcoa Big Top. Our Shout (Taylor vs Ed) will play on Monday, January 22 and is a singalong show presented by Milligan where according to promoters, no musical talent is required. The free show in Fringe Gardens will also feature a sing-off between Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. The last show featuring the interpreter is Appraisal, a thriller centred around a work review that brings “explosive” consequences. Bunbury Fringe chairperson Martyn Dunbar-Stuart said the funding meant Bunbury Fringe could keep up with increasing costs. “Bunbury Fringe believes the arts are for everyone and strives to provide accessibility to all members of our community,” Mr Dunbar-Stuart said. “There are always costs involved and grants like this one really help us to work towards that goal. “We have had an interpreter at previous events but with costs going up in every area this was one of the things we had to consider if we could afford to continue. “With dedicated funding this means we can now guarantee Auslan interpretation at selected shows over the next three years.” SWDC chief executive officer Mellisa Teede said the organisation was pleased to support the initiative. “We are pleased to support events which connect people with the community, allow people to pursue their interests, and enrich the social fabric of the region through championing access and inclusion,” Ms Teede said.