At the Iowa Fringe Festival, at least one performance explored the intricacies of a relationship.

Knowing fringe festivals historically have had the reputation of pushing the envelope with edgy, offbeat performances, it is no surprise “Dirty Laundry” presented the love affair of a Maypole repairman and his washing machine.

Thatcher Williams, founder of “Theater…for a change” and the actor who played the Maypole repairman, says he chose “Dirty Laundry” for its Iowa connections and its humor.

“It has a very Iowa connection with Maytag, but obviously we had to use Maypole,” he says.

Williams says getting into the role was a lot more fun than difficult.

“The only issue was to not only take in the aspects of the show, but also stay true to the sad, old character revitalized by Gordon Jump,” he says.

Williams, who also helped coordinate the event, says the goal of the Fringe Festival was consistent with the goals of his theater company.

“It’s an experience that cannot be traded,” Williams says.

“Our purpose is just to get theater into everyday life. [The Iowa Fringe Festival] is reasonably priced and that can get people more time to see live theater.”

The shows left some audience members wishing they were on-stage. Eric Clark, a Des Moines resident, was one theater lover who came out Saturday and Sunday.

“It’s awesome,” Clark says. “I’ve done a little theater on my own. I wish I was a part of it.”

Williams says the whole thing was a “very fraternal experience” for the audience, performers and venue owners.

“Another nice thing was to see all these people from central Iowa come to talk about theater — not just the intellectuals either.”

Frank Burnette, co-owner of Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth St., says he was very surprised with the turnout, in spite of the heat.

Ron Ziegler, executive director of StageWest Theater Company and the coordinator of the event, says 1,674 tickets were sold. Plans are being made to form a U.S. Association of Fringe Festivals, so he is optimistic for the future.

Burnette says he and Ziegler plan to make the Iowa Fringe Festival a Des Moines tradition.

“Absolutely, there’s no question about it,” he says.

Burnette says possible plans for next year include expanding to more venues in the Court Avenue district.

“That’s what I love about our fringe,” he says. “My vote is to keep most of it down here.”

Burnette says venues like The Trattoria, 207 Fourth St., a banquet room without a traditional stage, helped to keep a true fringe festival atmosphere.

“It was incredibly funky — just what fringes ought to be,” he says. “There’s no stage, no lights, no entrance. The actors have to go through the crowd.”

Burnette also says he hopes coordinators are able to get the word out earlier next year so more people can attend and plan out what shows they want to see.

“That’s the charm of the fringe — you’ve got to find out where the best shows are.”