Philadelphia: The Fleecing
An interactive event tucked into the depths of a historic Germantown mansion
When: November 14–16 and 21–23
Where: Private residence in Germantown near the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts (6452 Greene Street), Philadelphia, PA
Price: $25 General Admission; $75 VIP/Capitalist Pig, includes open bar, occult costume, and extra power over devotees and the outcome of the election
Tags: #immersivetheatre, #performanceart, #acrobatics, #politics, #power, #greed, #cult, #sitespecific, #interactive, #ContactAdvisory, #MobilityAdvisory (see below)
In The Fleecing, audiences are invited to play the part of “Acolytes” in the secret (and fictive?) Order of Mammon, whose purpose is to keep people world-wide believing in Money. Assembled in the aftermath of the cataclysmic death of the Order’s divine leader, the Bumblefish, audiences will help select a new leader from a diverse cast of Devotees, who test themselves through durational, audience-interactive performances. Completely filling three floors including the basement of the historic mansion, Acolytes are free to roam from performance to performance, testing the Devotees by placing sacred votives on one of two Altars in front of the performers. From circus-inspired feats of strength and balance to theatrical transmogrifications and prognostications to music and dance, the Devotees push the limits of their virtuosity to win the votes of the Acolytes.
Each night, a rotating cast of seven to nine of the city’s most captivating performers and performance artists will compete to see who will be crowned the Order’s next Bumblefish. Audiences can immersive themselves in the world of The Fleecing before the event begins, by signing up for secret missives from the Adjudicant of the Order via Almanac’s email list, and by following on Social media.
The Fleecing is imminent. The leader of The Order of Mammon is dead. But The Order must continue. A new Bumblefish will rise.
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Office facilities provided by Thymele Arts, in Los Angeles, CA.
Contact Level: None to Light (Business/Acquaintance). The audience will be offered a number of medallions that when offered to the altars of the devotees will determine their performance and ultimately choose the new Bumblefish.
Content Advisories: Political satire, wealth, greed.
This experience is not wheelchair accessible. Performance will progress through the McPherson Mansion. At times guests will be asked to climb a flight of stairs (22 steps). In each performance location there will be an opportunity to sit to view each performer. Please contact Lauren@thealmanac.com with any questions or requests.