Orlando Fringe is back with a wide variety of ticketed performances, a free outdoor stage, an eclectic visual art gallery, and kids’ activities. While there’s simply too much Fringe to cover in a single article, we are doing a series of posts about this incredible Orlando event. In this third installment for the 2023 season, we’re going to take a walk to the future in an immersive audio drama – The War!
The War was created by Phoenix Tears Productions, a woman-led theater company (and one of my personal favorites). Orlando Decoded was honored and thrilled to be invited to attend a press preview of The War. THANK YOU, Phoenix Tears Productions and Orlando Fringe, for having us out!
What is Orlando Fringe?
The War is playing at Orlando Fringe, a two-week theater festival focused on unjuried and uncensored works of performance art. While similar festivals exist all over the world, Orlando Fringe is the longest running event of its kind within the United States. Fringe Festivals are generally known for featuring alternative or experimental pieces of art, so you really never know what you’re going to find!
About Phoenix Tears Productions
Are you familiar with Phoenix Tears Productions? If not, let me tell you about this one-of-a-kind theater group! Based in the Orlando area, Phoenix Tears specializes in immersive performances, utilizing both physical and digital mediums to achieve their goals. While I’ve had the opportunity to attend several of their incredible shows (like Horror in Headphones and Infected), my favorites have been their “audio dramas.” This innovative storytelling style employs carefully designed 360° soundscapes, real-world environments, set pieces, and live actors to engross audiences in creative worlds and narratives.
Find out more about Phoenix Tears Productions by visiting their website or get all their latest updates by following them on Instagram!
How Does an Audio Drama Work?
Much like last year’s hit Fringe show The Witches, the 2023 version of The War utilizes silent disco technology to transport guests into another world and surround them in the overall story. In case you’re not familiar with this type of production, let me explain how it actually works. Audience members are given headphones containing specially designed soundscapes, including effects and talented voice actors. Live performers then guide participants through predetermined physical pathways (in this case, we’re traveling the sidewalks and paved areas near the Orlando Museum of Art) while pantomiming the action and interacting with set pieces, the environment, other actors, or even the audience themselves. The War also includes a few “miked” performers with the ability to respond to guests in real time and guide the audience through their adventure. It’s an innovative form of storytelling resulting in an exceptionally organic and realistic experience.
The War
Taking place inside the sculpture garden and on the pathways surrounding the Orlando Museum of Art, The War is an approximately 60-minute production. The story starts by plunging guests into the battle-torn future of 2098. Audience members must assist time-traveling historians in their mission to better understand the events and timeline of this consequential struggle.
The War attendees will be split into separate groups, each following a different historian through three important scenes. While these scenes depict almost the same vital moment in the battle, they each show a unique perspective on the events- shedding more light and context with each viewpoint. But it’s only after the historians and audience members come back together at the end of the show that the final truth is revealed.
*It’s important to note that while each group will view the scenes in a different order, they will all ultimately see the same information. There’s no need to stress about which group to join unless you are looking to stay with a specific historian.*
The War according to the Orlando Fringe website:
Pop on a pair of headphones and join time traveling research company SCROLL as they attempt to discover what truly happened during The War of 2098. Located outside of the Orlando Museum of Art, silent disco technology creates a rich 360 soundscape; while physical actors & interactive historians put you right into this sci-fi world.
Freaky Thoughts: The War
Featuring science fiction and time travel themes, The War is a very different feel than any of the Phoenix Tears’ audio dramas I’ve experienced in the past- and I loved it! The surrounding sculpture garden and imposing concrete museum definitely give the impression of being in a futuristic, dystopian society which only added to the overall immersion and thrill of this show.
I also really appreciated the opportunity to see the same moment through multiple pairs of eyes. It was an artful way to tell the story and made the audience members feel like investigators working to uncover the truth of the situation.
While I, of course, won’t spoil the ending or the specific events of each scene, I will tell you that attendees to The War will play an active role in the story and action unfolding around them. You’ll be handed props and given instructions, purposefully thrusting you into the middle of the narrative and creating an unforgettable Fringe experience!
The bottom line is that Phoenix Tears’ reputation promises unique performance styles and fascinating storylines, and The War delivers! No matter what other shows you plan to see at Orlando Fringe, make sure to check out The War!
Getting Tickets for The War
The War runs select dates and times until May 28. To see a complete listing of available shows and to buy your ticket, visit Orlando Fringe’s website.
Because 100% of the base ticket price is given directly to the respective artists, you will also need to purchase a reusable 2023 Fringe Festival button. Buttons are $10 and grant access to all the performances at this year’s event (along with an individually purchased show ticket). No matter how many productions you plan to see, you only need one button per person.
Know Before You Go
- A 2023 Fringe Festival button (and show ticket) is required to visit any performance. You can purchase your button online.
- Parking at Orlando Fringe can be tricky. Make sure you arrive early to allow plenty of time to locate a suitable spot and travel to the show location.
- The War starts in the sculpture garden outside of the Orlando Museum of Art.
- While the majority of The War takes place on paved ground, you might take a few steps into the grass in order to experience the full story.
- You will be standing and/or walking for most of this show. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
