Oedipus in Seattle is an auto-theatre mash-up of Oedipus Rex and Sleepless in Seattle. In this unconventional adaptation, two different actors take the stage each night without having rehearsed or read the script. Instructions from a voice in their headphones will guide them through the piece as they assume the roles of Oedipus, Jocasta, Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, with the casting decided by random chance.

Oedipus in Seattle is a show about destiny, and the uncertainty of living a life without one. From ancient Greece tragedies to modern romantic comedies, humans have always created stories about destiny, and characters who will end up winning or losing no matter how hard they try to escape their fate. Meanwhile, the actors in this piece will function more like we all do in real life- without a script, stumbling from one task to the next, trying and mostly failing to understand what it all means.

Appropriate for ages 13+

Interested in a not-necessarily-romantic way to connect over art? Select the Blind Date ticket at checkout and Cannonball will pair you with another audience member for a pre- and post-show experience. Blind Date is only available for this show on Sun, Sep 11, 2022 8:30 PM. Check out https://www.cannonballfestival.org/blinddate for more information.

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.

Content Considerations

This performance contains brief suggested violence. Since Oedipus Rex is a source text for this show, there is a brief implied mention of a suicide. Oedipus will put his eyes out, but the only blood in this piece is represented by red cloth. We are not trying to make it gross.

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

Playwright: Savannah Reich, Composer/ Sound Designer:Douglas Vento

Performers- Appearing on 9/8: Jenna Kuerzi & TBA; Appearing on 9/11: Sterling Melcher & Eppchez!; Appearing on 9 /14: Khenadi Christmas & Oliver Chase Marten; Appearing on 9/16: Steven Rishard & Gina Murdock; Appearing on 9/18: Emily Bate & Jackie Soro; Appearing on 9/19: Parker Sera & Elizabeth Weinstein.

About the Artist

Skullsdotcom is the collaboration between Savannah Reich and musician Douglas Vento. Their previous work together includes Caveman Play (2017, The Glitter Box and touring nationally) and Pestilence:Wow! (2018, Philadelphia Fringe Festival).

Savannah Reich is a playwright and screenwriter based in Philadelphia. Her plays have been commissioned or developed by Walking Shadow Theater Company, the University of Minnesota, and SuperGroup, and supported by residencies at Tofte Lake Art Center and MassMoCA. She was a 2020/21 McKnight Fellow at the Playwrights Center, and currently teaches playwriting and screenwriting at the University of the Arts. Douglas Vento is a multi instrumentalist and sound artist based in Philadelphia. With roots in the American folk and DIY punk scenes, his work spans a variety of genres but always has a focus on experimentation and high intensity live performance. His current project, Injury Sigil (https://injurysigil.bandcamp.com/) consists of distorted synthesizers triggered by live drums. Since the pandemic he has pivoted to making generative ambient electronic music; the score to Oedipus in Seattle will be his debut release in this mode, available in September of 2022.