Multilingual theaters shine at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival

The Philadelphia Fringe Festival is set to showcase a unique and diverse array of performances this year, with a focus on language, culture, and mystery. Among the highlights are the plays "El idioma de lo silenciado: The letters that were never sent", "La Otra", and "Zap!"

"El idioma de lo silenciado", an abstract, non-linear performance in four parts, will be performed in Spanish, Turkish, and English. The production, developed by Tanaquil Márquez, explores the emotional absence created when something is left unfinished, such as a relationship. Interestingly, collaborators Lucia Bedoya and Faysal Can Dakni believe that people will still understand the intention even if they are not familiar with the language being spoken.

In a different vein, "Zap!" is a science-fiction/fantasy murder mystery set in a world where humans and anthropomorphic species coexist. Presented by the Antihero Theatre Company, a new troupe led by deaf and hard-of-hearing artists, the production will be performed entirely in American Sign Language with English voiceovers. The play will feature an ensemble of eight actors, four of whom are deaf and use ASL, each paired with a voice performer.

"La Otra", on the other hand, is a farce that involves three sisters meeting in Bogotá, Colombia, for their father's birthday, an unexpected guest, and secrets being revealed. The play, which will have its world premiere at the Philly Fringe Festival in September, is inspired by Márquez's own family, particularly a great uncle who had a secret since serving in the Korean War.

The Antihero Theatre, the company presenting "Zap!", was founded by Daniel Brucker and Beth Applebaum, two deaf theater artists. The company aspires to present works that reflect, engage, and elevate deaf and hard of hearing experiences.

This will be the first time in 1812's 28-year history that one of its plays will be presented as part of the Fringe's curated section, and its first time producing a bilingual play. The Fringe Festival has a long history of presenting performances in various tongues, including experimental theater artist Romeo Castelucci's entirely Italian works. The festival has also presented productions with intentionally incoherent languages, such as Jo Stromgren Kompani's "Convent" and Pig Iron Theater's "Isabella".

With such a diverse and intriguing lineup, the Philadelphia Fringe Festival promises to offer a rich and engaging experience for audiences this year. Don't miss out on these unique performances!