From Jan 13-24, the M1 Fringe Festival will be back so arty-farty types can engage in plays, dances and art exhibitions. Next year's theme is "Art and the Animal," and explores humanity's intricate relationship with the world's creatures. If you're clueless about art and are bound to be scratching your head at performances, don't worry; we've got your back. Here's what to look out for.

The Chronicles of One and Zero: Kancil by Zeugma (Jan 13-16)

Photo credit: Afiq Omar

Those familiar with the Malay folktales of the smart mousedeer (from Hikyat Sang Kancil, or The Chronicles of Sang Kancil) will find this animal in yet another predicament. The titular animal in the story revisits the places she loves in the jungle and finds out that her home has been invaded by machinery. Cue the theme of human destruction affecting wildlife, and a some traditional Malay poetry genres like syair and puisi.

BITCH: The Origin of the Female Species and When Bitch Meets Butch (Jan 21-23; Jan 23)

Feminists will want to check out Edith Podesta's performance, BITCH: The Origin of the Female Species, which examines one of the most complex insults in English and reclaims it. Lots of literary and pop-culture references abound in this one, ranging from Homer's Mistress of Animals and Jo Freeman's Bitch Manifesto. This is followed up by a discussion, When Bitch Meets Butch, with Podesta and Tan Liting discussing how these two labels affect them in life and in their work.

Human Bestiary (Jan 22-23)

Photo credit: Daniel Ruiz Primo

This multimedia play focuses on the consequences of global warming and the degradation of the environment. It looks at the damage humanity has done in the name of progress. Some cool aspects of this performance include video projections and a live DJ set to look at the irreparable damage, as well as what can be done. 

Doggy Style (Jan 20-21)

This cheekily named dance performance explores the unequal relationship that people have with their dogs. The dancers' movements mimic dogs, and shows how man's best friend provides him with a rewarding relationship. Sign language is also incorporated into this dance.

Tickets are $22 from Sistic.