Grief, absurdity, and heartache collide in this world premiere dance-theatre piece.
Mother makes dinner. Daughter sets the table. One empty chair. A knock at the door. The cameras are rolling. Everyone’s watching. The Fool keeps dancing.
Through the eyes of an American family, The Holy Fool examines the toll of aging, grieving, and growing up in a culture where normativity is the most valuable currency — and your everyday life is live-streamed. A thrilling ghost story unfolds inside a cavernous industrial space, scored by Jordan McCree and Marty Gottlieb-Hollis’ original music, a hypnotic blend of trumpet, percussion and synthesizers.
The Holy Fool marks Ninth Planet’s return to the Fringe after a sold out run of High Noon as part of Cannonball in 2022. This world premiere work of dance theatre is Co-Directed by Ninth Planet’s Sam Tower and Nia Benjamin, and collaboratively written by the ensemble, featuring Bi Jean Ngo, Hannah Gold, Katarina Poljak, and Fringe Festival veteran and co-founder of Headlong, David Brick, who returns to the stage alongside his daughter, Zephyr Saffron Brick.
Performance Information
September 10-19, 2026
Sept 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 at 7:30pm
*Audio Description available on September 16 and 18. Masks are required on September 15 and 17.
Pricing
$50 Supporter
$35 Standard
$15 Students & 25-and-Unders
$2 FringeACCESS
FringeArts Member discounts & benefits available
Venue
The Gym at Impact Services
2953 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19133
About the Artist
Ninth Planet makes dance-theatre for curious people of all ages. Our original works center people of color, women, queer and trans* people in Philadelphia. Using dance and cinematic genres as vehicles for our storytelling, we place historically marginalized and unlikely voices within familiar frameworks. Created collaboratively with artists across disciplines, our performances investigate the inexplicable experience of being alive together.
Creative & Production Team
Co-Director + Writer: Nia Benjamin
Co-Director + Writer: Sam Tower
Writer + Performer: Bi Jean Ngo
Writer + Performer: David Brick
Writer + Performer: Hannah Gold
Writer + Performer: Katarina Poljak
Writer + Performer: Zephyr Saffron Brick
Original Music + Performer: Jordan McCree
Original Music + Performer: Marty Gottlieb-Hollis
Scenic Design: Nia Benjamin
Lighting Design: Mike Inwood*
Costume Design: Maiko Matushima*
Projection Design: Taj Rauch
Property Design: Vic Gill-Gomez
Production Management: Kereni Sanchez (10th Floor Productions)
Stage Management: Amir Watkins
Technical Direction: Keenan Watkins
Head Electrician: Cait Foster
Head of Audio: Rick Rein
*USA Local 829
Support
Lead Support from William Penn Foundation and Forman Arts Initiative.
Accessibility
Wheelchair/Limited Mobility Seating
Separate wheelchair accessible entrance
All performances Open Captioned
ASL Interpretation on select dates, check back soon for details.
Audio Description available on September 16 and 18
Masks are required on September 15 and 17
Venue social narrative available (online).
Sensory Kits Available.
Content Considerations
- Violent Content
- Adult Language
- Fog/Smoke Effects
The performance contains themes of loss, grief, and death.
This event is appropriate for ages 13+
Health & Safety
Masks are required at performances on September 15th and 17th. All other performances of The Holy Fool: masks are optional, vaccines are not required. More information about FringeArts COVID policies can be found here.