The slogan 'sounds of the planet' is synonymous with WOMAD (World Of Music, Arts and Dance).
As such, there is the possibility that Fringe goers may mistakenly believe that 'NoMaD' is an event under the WOMAD umbrella, which is not the case. Each performance is an hour of assorted dances by South Australian multicultural community groups, with a rotating roster each day.
Their first Sunday performance featured four youth ensembles: Studio Flamenco Youth Company, Yevshan Ukranian Arts Company, Shruthi Adelaide Youth Company and Greek Lyceum of South Australia. With performers as young as two years of age, it was very much akin to what you would see at a primary school assembly.
Nervous little faces timidly snuck out from behind the curtain before their cue; proud parents wielded iPhones to capture the occasion; the most gifted children took pride of place at the front, while at the back the carefully planned choreography mattered nought.
A feisty little senorita and a back-flipping, blonde-haired Ukranian lad were the scene-stealers.
The Fringe is an open access event that allows a platform for the potential stars of tomorrow to perform in the same festival as the world’s elite.
As an amateur, community event, 'NoMaD' serves an important function but as entertainment it may not appeal to those beyond the extended family of those on stage.
★★☆☆☆ 1/2
