ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs John Hargreaves has officially launched “Fringe 08” and said it will serve up something for everyone.

“Over the coming days Canberrans and visitors to our city will enjoy the DFO Fringe and Festival Club performances by local, interstate and international acts such as Little Dove Theatre, African Diaspora, Lolo Lovina and a four new theatre shows right here in the Courtyard Studio,” Mr Hargreaves said.

“The entertainment will commence tonight — opening night — with the first ever performance in the ACT of the Chooky Dancers from the Northern Territory.

“The Chooky Dancers are a group of 10 young Indigenous men who have choreographed performances to Zorba’s dance. It’s fantastic to see how they have adapted some contemporary Aboriginal dancing styles to Greek music.

“Their repertoire also includes a Bollywood-style dance. Footage of their performances has been featured on YouTube and has been downloaded by more than 500,000 Internet users. The Chooky Dancers are famous in both Australia and Greece and we are very lucky that they are a part of this year’s National Multicultural Festival.”

The DFO Fringe and Festival Club will be staged in Civic Square each night from February 8 to 16 from 7.00pm until late. All performances are free except for ticketed shows at the Courtyard Studio at the Canberra Theatre Centre.

For more information about the 2008 National Multicultural Festival and DFO Fringe Festival, log on to www.multiculturalfestival.com.au