Above: Aleksandr Frolov and Gabrielle Revlock in “Show No Show.” Photo courtesy of FringeArts.

When you think of FringeArts, the Philadelphia-based destination for contemporary performance, the first thing that comes to mind might be the annual Fringe Festival. Every September, the Fringe Festival turns every corner of the city into a stage with some 1,000 independently curated performances. The people over at FringeArts, a Knight Arts grantee, are always busy putting on a good show, however, and this March is no exception.

Coming up on March 24-26 is “Show No Show,” a two person-performance by Gabrielle Revlock and Aleksandr Frolov. Billed as a ‘dance of a relationship in front of an audience,’ this intimate display finds the two dancers getting to know one another as a room full of people look on. The pair run the gamut of interpersonal responses from play to power struggles, and from tenderness to conflict. In the meantime, as the two open up to one another fully, not even they know what exactly will happen, pulling the audience along as witnesses. There are few boundaries here, and the power of watching such a sincere show promises to be riveting.

“I think the intimacy comes from having to be really attuned to each other,” Revlock states in promotional materials for the performance. “I’m constantly thinking about where he is and what he’s doing and how he might respond.”

Through the improvisation of two individuals in the vulnerable state of being onstage, both closeness and comedy are the rules in their interactions. Trust is paramount, and alertness toward one’s partner is indispensable. For those wishing to push this understanding a step further, Frolov is hosting a master class on Saturday, March 19, from 1-3 p.m. Admission is $15 at the door, and all proceeds go to the artists. Frolov plans to explore dance as a social art form through partner dances. Come prepared to move vigorously and have fun!

Prior to “Show No Show,” in just a few days, FringeArts will also be hosting “Employee of the Year,” a play performed by children for adults. This piece by theater artists 600 Highwaymen includes original music by David Cale and an investigation of the changes that come over the length of a lifetime. “Employee of the Year” will be performed on Feb. 26 and 27 at 8 p.m.

Last, and certainly not least, is the upcoming registration process for the 2016 Fringe Festival this September. Starting on March 1, artists can register for this year’s festival. Registration ends on June 1, and as always, FringeArts is on the lookout for new venues to provide homes for their plethora of productions. Interested parties can contact Fringe Festival Coordinator Jarrod Markman at [email protected] with any questions.