Over the years lots of shows have been to Fringe World, but one show comes back for sell out performances year after year. The boys from Briefs have an attitude, style and sense of fun that is like no other delicacy being offered on the menu.

Head honcho of the Briefs crew Fez Faanana shared with us that this year they’re bringing a whole new show, it’s Briefs Close Encounters.

“There’s always space for more intimacy,” Fez said when we asked if it is actually possible to get closer to the team.

The theme was chosen though because it encapsulated something quite political that the group wanted to address.

“It’s playing with some of the sci-fi themes we have within the production but we also wanted to look into the fact that as human beings we’re second guessing each other more and more, there’s unrest and unpredictability, people feel unsafe, public spaces of affection have recently changed into public spaces of aggression.” Fez said.

“In true Briefs style we wanted to talk about the things that are putting people on edge, we wanted to make a show that reminded people why it’s important to celebrate one and another, rather than intimidate one and another. So we set out to create a positive close encounter”

The show has been enthusiastically received as it’s toured around the world. Fez chatted to us while setting up for the show’s Sydney season, and the team have just returned from an extended run in London.

“We’ve had really positive feedback, in true Briefs style we try to keep ourselves as unpredictable as possible. We’ve made something really different, and we hope people aren’t expecting what we give the, but we hope they love it as well.” Fez said. “It’s very adventurous and we’ve gone above and beyond what we thought we could do, or afford.”

“This will be our seventh trip to Perth and we really value what Perth audiences think of us, so we’re really excited to be coming back, but also filled with anticipation about how the show will be received.”

Briefs: Close Encounters will be at Fringe World from 7-25 February. Don’t dawdle buying tickets, last year they completely sold out. Head to www.fringeworld.com.au 

Graeme Watson