Welcome back! It is with great pride that we build our 2023 BorderLight Festival to illuminate the borders that divide us and foster reciprocal connections between Cleveland and the global community, especially as we move out of this period of isolation.
After last year's triumphant return, we're delivering another much needed jolt from the normal and giving artists a deserved platform for their work. BorderLight will remain anchored in downtown Cleveland, in venues from Playhouse Square to Public Square, making the festival accessible to visitors from across the city and beyond, August 3 - 5.
All of CLE’s a Stage
The BorderLight Festival features a curated selection of international touring productions, and a Fringe Festival featuring all genres of theatrical performances self-produced by local and national artists. Audiences can expect to experience theatre, dance, circus, immersive experiences, puppetry, spoken word, pop-up performances, stand-up comedy and more. Including:
- Fairy in the Lake by Obediya Jones-Darrell - A short opera about a young man from Brazil who overcomes diversity and dares to chase the fairy in the lake, who is performed by an aerial circus artist. This event is free and open to the public.
- Floored by Ajayi Dance - An interactive dance piece set on public elevators. An elevator is a box of infinite possibilities. When the doors open, what prior intimacy are you interrupting? When the doors close, what adventure awaits? This event is free and open to the public.
- I Know It Was the Blood: The Totally True Adventures of a Newfangled Black Woman, written and directed by Tara Lake - An unforgettable one-woman sojourn embracing southern roots, gospel rhythms and queer identity. This is a ticketed event.
- The Light House by Natasha Mirny and Tia Shearer Bassett - A show about friendship and finding your light for children 3 – 8, featuring interactive storytelling and shadow puppetry. This is a ticketed event.
More to See and Do
This year’s festival will take place from Public Square in downtown Cleveland to Playhouse Square in venues like the Hermit Club, Cibreo Privato, Parnell's Irish Pub, the Middough Building at Cleveland State University and US Bank Plaza.
There are a number of family friendly shows at Borderlight, like Welcome to My House, Fairy in the Lake or The Light House, so be sure to bring the kids with you to enjoy all the amazing creativity on display.
While you’re downtown, grab a bite at some fo the best restaurants in Downtown Cleveland like Cibreo Italian Kitchen, Yours Truly, Mabel’s BBQ and Hofbrauhaus Cleveland. And if you’re looking to crash, Crowne Plaza Cleveland at Playhouse Square will keep you right in the heart of all the festival activity.
What are you waiting for? All-Access Passes and tickets to individual shows are on sale now for this unbelievable showcase of some of the most creative and thought-provoking performances you’ll find in one place. Get yours today.