Hollis directs Visual Fringe

Laura Hollis, director/curator of the now-closed Artery gallery in Newport, will curate the visual arts aspect of the Cincinnati Fringe Festival in May. Fringe producing director Jason Bruffy intends to have work on view at three independent galleries downtown (locations intended to be en route between performing venues).

Visual Fringe is seeking submissions from visual artists making work "on the fringe." Images/documentation in slide, photo, video, DVD, web URL or CD format with artistic statement/bio/proposal must be postmarked by March 31 to: Cincinnati Fringe Festival, attn: Laura Hollis, 717 Race St., Cincinnati OH 45202. Gallery openings are scheduled for May 11.

Cincinnati Fringe Festival will start its countdown to "Fringe!" with a kickoff party from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art.

The purpose of the kickoff - pre-sales! Festival passes are: six shows for $50, 10 shows for $75 and a see-it-all VIP pass for $150. Purchase of a festival pass or Contemporary Arts Center membership gets you into the party free. For everyone else there's an $8 cover charge.

For more information about all of the above visit www.cincyfringe.com.

Tensing play in Columbus

Local director/actress/playwright Mary Tensing is shedding a few of her slashes and emphasizing her writing side in Columbus. Her play, Sucking the Marrow, will be part of a "Shorts Festival" at CATCO (Contemporary American Theatre Company) in Columbus, opening April 4 and continuing through the month.

"It's about a couple who will go to great lengths to spice up their relationship so they can suck the marrow out of life," says Tensing, who's a fan of the short-play form.

As she continues to re-write, she says, it's an even greater challenge than she expected.

"I do find it a difficult beast, balancing brevity with sufficient buildup so the audience can invest enough to care to go along for the ride. But it's also exciting."

For information and reservations, call the box office at (614) 469-0939.

E-mail jdemaline@enquirer.com