Alexa Gilker doesnB次元官网网址檛 like to waste time.

The 25-year-old playwright debuts her first stageplay tomorrow (Aug. 23) at the Victoria Fringe Festival, a milestone sheB次元官网网址檚 achieved only three months out of the University of VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 creative writing program.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 terrifying,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淏ut I love this play.B次元官网网址�

Beautiful Obedient Wife tells the story of a Ukrainian woman who is unknowingly sold as a mail-order bride to a Canadian suitor. ItB次元官网网址檚 a complex reality with examples all over Canada, Gilker said.

B次元官网网址淯kraine is where a huge majority of these women are coming from,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淭heyB次元官网网址檙e usually struggling in poverty and looking for a way out.B次元官网网址�

Despite the heavy subject matter, Gilker believes entertainment should be the primary objective of theatre and has rewritten her play as a comedy. SheB次元官网网址檚 also enlisted the help of local folk band, Carousels, to create a genuine feel to the Eastern European backdrop.

B次元官网网址淚 just realized itB次元官网网址檚 not a black and white issue, and comedy is a good way to deal with that,B次元官网网址� she said.

Under the guidance of seasoned fringe director Sandi Barrett, the play undergoes ongoing workshop revisions with input from Gilker and her ensemble of actors.

B次元官网网址淲e rewrite the script almost every rehearsal,B次元官网网址� Gilker said. B次元官网网址淭here are a lot of times I realize IB次元官网网址檓 not actually as funny as I think I am, and there are some things that really work and we amp up even further.B次元官网网址�

Fringe festivals operate on the principles of being unjuried and giving all of the proceeds to the performers, said Janet Munsil, festival producer.

B次元官网网址淚 think the Fringe has launched a lot of artists,B次元官网网址� she said, adding many performers go on to tour at fringe festivals across North America and Europe, usually with successful solo shows.

Munsil and her team host 55 local, North American and overseas performers for 11 days of bargain-price entertainment.

Five-show passes are available for $55 and single show tickets go for $9 or $11.

B次元官网网址淲e have a curious and educated audience in Victoria that just loves to see new stuff and support local and touring artists,B次元官网网址� Munsil said.

The fringe offers a variety of performances ranging from comedy and drama to spoken word and musicals.

For the first time, the festival is also incorporating a kid-friendly event on Aug. 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Market Square.

B次元官网网址淏ecause the performers are chosen by lottery, there was no way for us to guarantee a kidsB次元官网网址� show,B次元官网网址� Munsil said. B次元官网网址淪o we wanted to provide an opportunity for kids to sit down and see a play.B次元官网网址�

Gilker hopes her play, which has six performance dates, will be the first of many in Victoria. She sees a niche market for stageplay writers in the city, as many of her fellow graduates leave to Vancouver and beyond.

B次元官网网址淚 decided to give myself the year in Victoria to see what happens and give it what I can,B次元官网网址� she said.

Beautiful Obedient Wife debuts Aug. 23 at 9:45 p.m. at St. Andrews School gym.

For a complete festival guide, visit the Intrepid Theatres office at 1609 Blashard St. or victoriafringe.com.