“A hilarious, finely tuned absurdist” (TheaterJones) and “one of the most exciting and hilarious performance artists around” (ArtSpace), Alex Tatarsky shares revelations from their ongoing research into the territory between clowns and compost.

Linking American pop-cultural angst over the evil clown to efforts to banish garbage and urban blight, Tatarsky examines our fears of figures and substances which suggest transitional, ambiguous, and disordered states. Contents include: the ballad of an unemployed court jester who desires to be a rotting vegetable; a lecture that decays into a heap of dirt.

“Dirt Trip is a beautiful blend of tightly researched monologues and manic physical improvisation.” (Brooklyn Rail)

This show is presented as part of Cannonball Festival, Philly’s artist-centered performance hub, packing in 65+ full length shows and 300 performances in two nearby venues. Discover risk-taking theater, dance, circus, music, and comedy alongside a vibrant garden bar with a free nightly cabaret, pop-up events, workshops, artist talkbacks, and more. September 1–30 at the Maas Building (1320 N 5th St) and Icebox Project Space (1400 N American St). Learn more at cannonballfestival.org.

Appropriate for All Ages

This performance contains Brief Suggested Language

Health & Safety

Proof of vaccination is required to attend this event, and masks must be worn for the duration of the performance. Audience members will be asked to show proof of vaccination before entering the venue. Both digital and physical proof of vaccination are accepted. Please plan accordingly.

Credits

Created and Performed by Alex Tatarsky

Sound by Shane Riley

Set, Props, Costume by Andreea Mincic

Dramaturgy by Iris McCloughan, Lisa Fagan, Anh Vo, Magda San Millan

About the Artist

“A hilarious, finely tuned absurdist” (Theatre Jones), Alex Tatarsky makes performances in the uncomfortable in-between zone of comedy, dance-theater, performance art, and deluded rant–sometimes with songs. Tatarsky experienced fleeting fame as Andy Kaufman’s daughter and used to perform as a mound of dirt. Venues include La MaMa, MoMA PS1, Gibney, Judson Church, The Kitchen, Space 1026, Vox Populi and many bars and basements. Their writings on counterfeit poetics and grotesque politics have appeared in publications including The New Inquiry, Hypocrite Reader, ArtReview Asia, Folder, Viscose, and Vulture. Research interests include bootlegs, hellscapes, and compost. @tartar.biz